Awareness of Dental Students Studying at Different Universities in Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infection Control

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate and compare the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dental students from 2 different universities regarding hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C
virus (HCV) infection control through a questionnaire-based study.

Methods: A total of 242 fourth- and fifth-year dental students from 2 universities participated in this study. A 15-question survey assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to hepatitis B and C was administered. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 29, with statistical significance set at P < .05.

Results: It was observed that 65.7% (n=159) of the students participating in the study were female and 34.3% (n=83) were male. It was observed that 51.2% (n=124) of the students were in the fourth grade and 48.8% (n=118) were in the fifth grade. The scores of the fourth grade students studying at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University were found to be statistically significantly higher than the fifth grade students (P=.001). Fourth grade students from Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University scored considerably lower on knowledge questions than did fourth grade students from Marmara University (P=.044). The scores of the fourth grade students from Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University on the behavior questions were statistically significantly higher than those of the fourth grade students from Marmara University (P=.012).

Conclusion: The study indicates that while dental students have a high level of knowledge about hepatitis B and C, their attitudes and behaviors require further improvement. Ongoing education is essential to ensure compliance with infection control standards.

Cite this article as: Öner Talmaç AG, Keser G, Namdar Pekiner FM, Ziyanak S. Awareness of dental students studying at different
universities in hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection control. Essent Dent. 2025, 4, 0014, doi: 10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25014.