DİŞ HEKİMLİĞİ FAKÜLTESİ ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN KIZAMIK (RUBEOLA) VE HEPATİT B HAKKINDAKİ FARKINDALIK VE AŞI DURUMLARININ DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Objective: Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease, that can lead to serious complications and even death. Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. This study aims to evaluate the awareness and vaccination status regarding measles and hepatitis B among dental intern students, who are considered one of the most at-risk groups for infectious diseases.Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional survey study, a comprehensive questionnaire was administered to intern students (n=157), covering their vaccination rates, knowledge, and education about measles and hepatitis B. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test.Results: It was found that 22.9% of the students had sufficient knowledge about measles, and 58.6% had been vaccinated against it. The measles vaccination rate among female students was significantly higher than that of male students (p=0.011). A total of 77.1% of the students stated that they would get the measles vaccine without hesitation, and 80.9% believed that the measles vaccine is not harmful. It was found that students who had more knowledge about hepatitis B had higher vaccination rates. (p=0.04). While 62.4% of the students received education about measles, 37.6% did not, and 26.5% of those who received education found it insufficient. It was determined that 65.6% of the students had sufficient knowledge about hepatitis B. The hepatitis B vaccination rate was statistically higher among fifth-year students (p=0.001). A total of 92.4% of the students believed that the hepatitis B vaccine is not harmful, and 97.5% stated that they would get the hepatitis B vaccine without hesitation. It was found that students with higher levels of knowledge about hepatitis B had higher vaccination rates (p=0.004). In response to the question "Have you received education about hepatitis B?" 92.4% answered yes, and 7.6% answered no. Of those who received education, 15.3% found it insufficient. The study concluded that students' knowledge levels and vaccination rates for measles were much lower compared to hepatitis B.Conclusion: It was determined that those who believed vaccines were harmful and those who did not get vaccinated without hesitation lacked sufficient knowledge about vaccines. Therefore, it is evident that dental intern students, who are constantly in contact with mucosal secretions and blood, need more comprehensive education on infectious diseases, particularly measles, and prevention methods, including vaccination.