IADR Abstract Archives
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Towards Prevention of Hepatitis B Among Dental Students in Lagos
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards prevention
of Hepatitis B among dental students in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross sectional study design was carried out using self-administered, structured, pre-
tested questionnaires with closed ended questions adapted from reviewed literature. Data was analyzed
using epi-info software and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The response rate was 86% (n=100). 46.51% of the respondents had good knowledge of the
infection and its transmission, 86.05% had good attitude towards it, 69.77% had a high level of risk
perception and 59.30% had good practices towards prevention of the infection. 83.2% of the students had
taken at least a dose, while only 79.65% had completed three doses. 42% of the students were unaware of
their risk of exposure before gaining admission into the University. About 36% of the students admitted to
having needle stick injuries with 81.8% of them having more than five exposures. 56.98% were aware of
a post exposure prophylaxis but only one student had taken the post exposure prophylaxis following
exposure to needle stick injuries.
Conclusions: The study revealed that dental students in Lagos have good knowledge and a positive
attitude towards prevention of Hepatitis B. However, their practices towards prevention of Hepatitis B
were poor. This highlights the need for dental schools to incorporate practical training on Hepatitis B
prevention into their curriculum. Dental students should also be encouraged to take up the Hepatitis B
vaccine and practice universal precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. Protocols should also be
put in place for the uptake of post-exposure prophylaxis following exposure.
of Hepatitis B among dental students in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross sectional study design was carried out using self-administered, structured, pre-
tested questionnaires with closed ended questions adapted from reviewed literature. Data was analyzed
using epi-info software and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The response rate was 86% (n=100). 46.51% of the respondents had good knowledge of the
infection and its transmission, 86.05% had good attitude towards it, 69.77% had a high level of risk
perception and 59.30% had good practices towards prevention of the infection. 83.2% of the students had
taken at least a dose, while only 79.65% had completed three doses. 42% of the students were unaware of
their risk of exposure before gaining admission into the University. About 36% of the students admitted to
having needle stick injuries with 81.8% of them having more than five exposures. 56.98% were aware of
a post exposure prophylaxis but only one student had taken the post exposure prophylaxis following
exposure to needle stick injuries.
Conclusions: The study revealed that dental students in Lagos have good knowledge and a positive
attitude towards prevention of Hepatitis B. However, their practices towards prevention of Hepatitis B
were poor. This highlights the need for dental schools to incorporate practical training on Hepatitis B
prevention into their curriculum. Dental students should also be encouraged to take up the Hepatitis B
vaccine and practice universal precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. Protocols should also be
put in place for the uptake of post-exposure prophylaxis following exposure.