Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Dentists in Lebanon.

J Contemp Dent Pract

Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.

Published: February 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study investigates Lebanese dentists' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hepatitis B vaccination amidst the occupational risks they face.
  • A survey of 349 dentists revealed that most are vaccinated and have a good understanding of prevention strategies, but some lack follow-up practices for anti-HBs titer levels and booster shots.
  • The findings suggest the need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance awareness about hepatitis B vaccination and inform public health policies to improve vaccination rates among dental professionals in Lebanon.

Article Abstract

Background: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious occupational hazard for healthcare workers, including dentists. The purpose of this study is to assess dentists' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with respect to hepatitis B vaccination.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of dentists ( = 349) from Lebanon was carried out. Participants' knowledge of hepatitis B, attitudes toward vaccination, and immunization habits were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. To examine the data, descriptive statistics were used, and associations between variables were investigated using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: The study found that most participating dentists are HBV-vaccinated. These dentists boast a basic to a significantly substantial understanding of HBV infection prevention strategies, such as immunization, routine preventive measures, and handling equipment. Notwithstanding the generally positive attitudes towards vaccination, a proportion of dentists lacked some HBV prevention practices, specifically with respect to conducting regular follow-ups of anti-HBs titer levels and getting booster vaccination doses when warranted.

Conclusion: This study sheds light on the KAP of hepatitis B immunization among Lebanese dentists. The findings emphasize the significance of focused educational efforts in view of improving awareness and encouraging a more thorough understanding of the benefits of vaccination. The study provides useful data that can be used to influence public health policies as well as activities aimed at increasing hepatitis B vaccination rates among dental professionals in Lebanon. How to cite this article: Yared G, Sokhn ES, Al-Khatib A, . Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Dentists in Lebanon. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):134-140.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3635DOI Listing

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