Knowledge, attitude, and risk perception toward HIV-, HBV-, and HCV-infected patients among dental students of October 6 University: descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Dentistry involves the use of many instruments that are sharp and deal with blood and saliva that may be contaminated with either HBV, HCV, or HIV. Professional exposure of healthcare workers (as dentists and dental students) to blood or other potentially infected biological material may cause transmission of infection to them.

Transmission of infection can occur through several routes; mucosal, cutaneous, or percutaneous.

Transmission of pathogens may result in an asymptomatic infection. This situation may last for weeks or months until symptoms appear. Some patients are, thus, not aware of their infectious status and may carry an asymptomatic infection when visiting a dental practice.

Aim of study The objective of the current study was to detect the level of knowledge among dental students regarding the human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. The attitude and risk perception of the students about the treatment of patients with these viruses were also assessed. In our study, we determined also the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and risk perception.

Methodology Six hundred eighty responded students were included in this study. They were selected from all 5 years of study to form 2 equal groups (340 students in each group), group I (junior students): 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years and group II (senior students): 4th and 5th years. The questionnaires (distributed to the students) included five main parts: the sociodemographic part, the knowledge part, the attitude part, the risk perception part, and the self-evaluation part.

Results (1) The correct answer score was higher in group II than in group I (58.54% and 41.46% respectively). (2) The professional attitude score was higher in group II than in group I (60.81% and 39.19% respectively). (3) The positive risk perception was higher in group II than in group I (56.20% and 43.80% respectively).

Conclusion The level of knowledge plays an important role in forming attitudes and risk perceptions toward patients with HBV, HCV, and HIV. This is of concern in dentistry and other similar fields like otolaryngology.