بررسی میزان آگاهی دانشجویان دندان پزشکی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مازندران از بیماری هپاتیت B در سال 91

Background & Objectives: Hepatitis B is a primary viral infection of the liver, which could be transferred through saliva and blood. Hepatitis B is highly transmissible therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness about this disease among dental students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 2012-2013. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all dental students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using questionnaires, and data analysis was performed using SPSS 15. Results: This study was performed on 90 dental students (45 male and 45 female) admitted from 2008 to 2012. Approximately 90% of the students stated a virus to be the hepatitis agent and 100% were aware that the liver is the most involved organ in this disease. In addition, the majority of the students cited the use of common syringe and toothbrush to be a cause of hepatitis transmission, while 80% believed that the disease is transmitted through dental waste. There was a significant correlation between the semester of study (P=0.018) and the level of awareness accordingly, the awareness of the students increased in higher semesters. However, no significant relationship was observed between the awareness of male and female students (P=0.929). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, knowledge and attitudes of students toward hepatitis B are within the moderate range. Since dental work is a risk factor for the transmission of hepatitis B, it is recommended that students be educated on the causes and prevention of this disease through training courses.