Awareness and Behaviors Towards Hepatitis B Virus Prevention among Dental Professionals in Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
Hepatitis B Virus, Dental Professionals, Saudi Arabia, Intervention Studies, Vaccination, Infection Control.Abstract
Introduction:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant public health threat worldwide, with healthcare workers, including dental professionals, at high risk of exposure. Despite the availability of effective vaccines and prevention measures, gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards HBV prevention persist among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventional studies and clinical trials designed to improve HBV awareness, vaccination rates, and adherence to infection control practices among dental professionals in the Kingdom.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted for interventional studies and clinical trials published in the last five years up to 2022, focusing on HBV prevention among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia. The review included studies that reported on changes in knowledge, attitudes, practices, or vaccination rates following the intervention. Data were synthesized qualitatively due to the anticipated heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes.
Results:
Nine interventional studies met the inclusion criteria, showcasing a variety of educational and training interventions. The interventions led to significant improvements in HBV awareness and practices, with risk differences ranging from 10% to 30% for improved adherence to infection control practices and up to 30% increase in vaccination rates post-intervention. The effectiveness of these interventions was particularly pronounced in studies employing active, participatory learning techniques and multifaceted approaches, indicating the value of comprehensive and engaging educational programs in enhancing HBV prevention efforts among dental professionals.
Conclusions:
The review demonstrates that targeted educational and training interventions can significantly improve knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors towards HBV among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia. The findings support the implementation of multifaceted, interactive educational programs within dental healthcare settings to reduce the risk of HBV transmission.
