PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B VACCINATION STATUS AMONG DENTISTS AND DENTAL ASSISTANTS

Abstract

Hepatitis B vaccination is one of the most effective methods of protecting the population from hepatitis B virus. Past studies have emphasized the importance of hepatitis B vaccine in decreasing the number of infected patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate vaccination status in both dental surgeons and dental assistants and to investigate cause in the group having decreased prevalence. A cross sectional study was conducted among dental surgeons and dental assistants in Peshawar Dental Hospital from 1st Jan 2015 to 30th June 2015. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed and the results analysed. Among the dental surgeons 45(90%) had been vaccinated and 5(10%) were not. Among the 5 that were not vaccinated 3 reported vaccination phobia as the reason, one had dearth of time and one was unaware of the importance of vaccination. Among the dental assistants 8(16%) had been vaccinated, 40(80%) were not vaccinated and 2(4%) were not sure. Amongst the 40 who had not been vaccinated, 22 were not aware of the importance of vaccination, 8(although aware of importance) had no finances, 8 had dearth of time and 2 feared side effects of vaccination. In this study it is emphasized that all the medical and dental institutes should take extra measures to vaccinate and educate their staff regarding the importance of vaccination.