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VOLUME 25 , ISSUE 2 ( February, 2024 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

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

Ghassan Yared, Elie S Sokhn, Aynaa Al-Khatib, Cynthia Kassis, Ronald Younes

Keywords : Dentists, Hepatitis B, Questionnaire, Vaccination

Citation Information : Yared G, Sokhn ES, Al-Khatib A, Kassis C, Younes R. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Dentists in Lebanon. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024; 25 (2):134-140.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3635

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 14-03-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).


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 (n = 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.


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