Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2021.60.02.07

A Cross-Sectional Study of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Knowledge among Dental Medicine Students at the University of Zagreb

Jan Homolak orcid.org/0000-0003-1508-3243 ; Department of Pharmacology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Deni Tomljanović ; University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Milan Milošević ; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Sports, Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Domagoj Vražić ; Department of Periodontology, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Mario Živković ; Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Budimir ; Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Borka Pezo Nikolić ; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Cardiovascular Division, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Antonela Muslim ; Gastroenterology Unit, Dr. Ivo Pedišić General Hospital, Sisak, Croatia
Neven Ljubičić ; Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Marko Nikolić ; Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Dental health care workers, particularly dental medicine students (DMS), are at
an increased risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of our
study was to assess the level of knowledge on HBV and HCV, estimate needlestick injury (NSI)
prevalence and reporting practice in DMS at the University of Zagreb, and analyze how enrolment in
obligatory and supplemental courses affects knowledge and NSI reporting practice. The knowledge
was assessed by our questionnaires based on the Centers for Disease Control general handouts. Additional
information was collected to examine the prevalence and reporting practice of NSI. Data were
analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis, independent-samples t-test, proportion analyses, and
combined
factor analyses of categorical and quantitative variables in SPSS and R. In total, 206 students
participated in the survey. The overall level of HBV- and HCV-related knowledge was poor,
with the mean scores of 61.90% and 51.35%, respectively. Moreover, students enrolled in the first year
demonstrated significantly lower levels of knowledge in comparison with their older peers. Of all
participants, 18.2% had sustained a NSI and the majority of them (78.95%) had never reported the
injury. In conclusion, DMS have low levels of knowledge on important occupational pathogens and
poor NSI reporting practice. Moreover, formal education in the current form has failed to significantly
improve student competence and theoretical knowledge translates poorly into more conscientious
injury reporting practice. We should look for a better way to increase student awareness and
level of knowledge on this topic.

Keywords

Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Dental education; Needlestick injury; Occupational pathogens; Occupational health

Hrčak ID:

263337

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/263337

Publication date:

1.6.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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