Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to gather basic data for the development of an educational tuberculosis prevention program for prospective dental hygienists by understanding the level of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors related to tuberculosis for students in the Department of Dental Hygiene, who need preventive access to tuberculosis infection. Methods: The present study used a self-reported questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding tuberculosis, which was administered to dental hygiene students attending D University located in D city. Results: The average knowledge regarding tuberculosis was 16.17 ± 6.14, out of 30 points. Attitude regarding tuberculosis averaged 48.59 points (± 4.46), out of 60 points, and the degree of preventive behavior was 46.29 points (± 5.0), out of 60 points. Third year students ranked highest for knowledge regarding, attitude toward, and infection prevention behaviors of tuberculosis, compared to those in their first or second year (F = 7.20, p = 0.000). Those who had experienced tuberculosis themselves or with their relatives had higher attitudes toward tuberculosis than those who did not (F = 2.32, p = 0.02). Additionally, the higher the knowledge (β = 0.209, p = 0.004) and attitude (β = 0.425, p = 0.000) about tuberculosis, the higher the level of tuberculosis infection prevention behavior. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it appears to be necessary to provide practical education to ensure that all students in dental hygiene are equipped with knowledge about tuberculosis, and that as a dental hygienist in carrying out dental hygiene management with a changed attitude, the act of preventing tuberculosis infection can be appropriately performed.
