الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Dentistry involves the use of many instruments that are sharp and the dealing with blood and saliva that may be contaminated with either HIV, HBV or HCV. 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 on visiting dental practice. Aim of Study: This study was done to assess the level of knowledge of dental students regarding HIV, HBV and HCV, and to assess their attitude and risk perception about treatment of patients with such infections. The relation between knowledge, attitude and risk perception was also determined. Methodology: 680 responded students were included in this study. They were selected from all five years of study to form 2 equal groups (340 students in each group), group I (junior students): 1 st, 2nd and 3rd years & group II (senior students): 4 th and 5th years. The questionnaires (distributed to the students) included five main parts: Sociodemographic part, Knowledge part, Attitude part, Risk perception part and Self-evaluation part. Results: 1) The correct answer score was higher in group II than in group I (58.54% & 41.46% respectively). 2) The professional attitude score was higher in group II than in group I (60.81% & 39.19% respectively).3) The positive risk perception was higher in group II than in group I (56.20% & 43.80% respectively). Conclusion: The level of personal knowledge increases with each year of study and has an important role in forming the students’ attitude and risk perception towards patients with HIV, HBV and HCV |