Knowledge of and attitudes about blood-borne viruses and infection control in Brazilian dental practice

Hepatitis B vaccination and associated factors among dentists

OBJECTIVE

We calculated the prevalence and studied the factors associated with hepatitis B vaccination. Reasons for non-vaccination among dentists were investigated.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, from 2007 to 2008, to assess hepatitis B vaccination among practicing dental surgeons. Variables were evaluated using a previously tested structured questionnaire. Data underwent descriptive analysis. Non-conditional logistic regression was used to determine the variables associated with hepatitis B vaccination (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

There were 333 subjects eligible for the study, 297 (89.2%) participated, and 283 answered the question about vaccination; of these, 258 (91.2%) completed the three-dose schedule vaccination and 25 (8.8%) were not vaccinated or did not complete the vaccination schedule. Lack of information (48%) was stated as the main reason for not being vaccinated. Variables associated with vaccination were: tobacco use (OR = 2.50; IC95% = 1.22-7.13), alcohol consumption (OR = 2.99; IC95% = 1.16-7.74), satisfaction with the profession (OR = 4.62; IC95% = 1.50-8.25) and knowledge on the post-exposure management protocol (OR = 4.28; IC95% = 1.63-9.26).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high prevalence of complete vaccination among dentists in Montes Claros. It is higher among professionals who do not use tobacco and alcohol, are more satisfied with their profession and know the protocol after occupational exposure. The study suggests that the lack of information is the main reason for not being vaccinated.

Aderência a medidas de proteção individual contra a hepatite B entre cirurgiões-dentistas e auxiliares de consultório dentário

OBJETIVO: O vírus da hepatite B é um risco ocupacional reconhecido na odontologia. Além de aderir às precauções padrão, todos os profissionais da odontologia devem se proteger através da vacinação contra a hepatite B e confirmação da imunidade. Este estudo verificou a aderência às medidas de proteção individual contra a hepatite B, incluindo a vacinação e o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual, entre cirurgiões-dentistas e auxiliares de consultório dentário do município de Florianópolis, localizado no sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo transversal, os dados foram coletados através de questionários auto-aplicáveis. Foram obtidas respostas de 289 cirurgiões-dentistas e 104 auxiliares. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da vacinação completa contra a hepatite B foi 73,4% entre os dentistas e 39,4% entre os auxiliares. Apenas 32,1% e 21,9% deles, respectivamente, monitoraram a resposta vacinal. A vacinação completa foi positivamente associada com o ano de formatura a partir de 1997 (RP = 1,16; IC95% = 1,01-1,33) e atuação predominantemente em especialidade cirúrgica (RP = 1,24; IC95% = 1,02-1,51) entre os dentistas e com a realização de curso de formação entre os auxiliares (RP = 1,96; IC95% = 1,23-3,14). O uso constante de luvas, máscara e óculos de proteção foi mais elevado entre os dentistas do que entre os auxiliares. CONCLUSÃO: São indicadas campanhas visando a vacinação daqueles que não o fizeram ou não completaram o esquema vacinal e informações sobre a necessidade do monitoramento da resposta vacinal. Medidas educativas são recomendadas para elevar a aderência às medidas de proteção pessoal, voltadas especialmente aos auxiliares.

Evaluating infection control practices among dentists in Vâlcea, Romania, in 1998

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate infection control knowledge and practices, provide training on universal-standard precautions (USP), and improve infection control knowledge and practices among dentists.

SETTING

Private and public dental offices in Vâlcea, Romania.

METHODS

Information about the use of hepatitis B vaccine, knowledge of and training in USP, perceived risks of disease transmission, and infection control practices was gathered from a sample of dentists through interviews, direct observations, and a survey administered during a training session.

RESULTS

Interviews among dentists and direct observations of infection control practices revealed that resources were often scarce in public clinics; however, availability of supplies in private or public clinics often did not correlate with adherence to proper infection control. Of 125 registered dentists, 46 (37%) attended the session and completed the survey. Of these, 75% worked in public clinics, 40% in private practices, and a few in both. More than 50% believed that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was low in their patients compared with the Romanian population. Only 26% of dentists had received hepatitis B vaccine. Dentists reported a mean of six percutaneous injuries a year. Most (89%) reported that gloves were effective in preventing HBV transmission; 24% wore them for every patient. Most used dry heat sterilization; however, chemical disinfectants were also used.

CONCLUSIONS

Resources were limited, receipt of hepatitis vaccine was low, and infection control knowledge and practices varied. Training and education are needed regarding the importance of USP, hepatitis B vaccination, and alternative practices when resources are insufficient.

[Hepatitis B vaccination among dentists surgeons]

OBJECTIVE

Serological studies in several countries have found a higher prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among dentists when compared to the general population, especially among surgical specialties. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B (HB) vaccination and factors associated with no vaccination and incomplete vaccination among dentists.

METHODS

A survey was conducted among 299 dentists living in Montes Claros, southeast Brazil, using a self-administered questionnaire. HBV vaccination prevalence was determined according to the number of doses of vaccine and factors associated with no vaccination or incomplete HBV vaccination were investigated using multinomial logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Participation rate in the study was very high (296/299). Of the participants, 74.9% received three doses of HBV vaccine, 14% two doses, 2% a single dosis and 10% were not vaccinated. Complete vaccination rate was higher among surgeons and periodontists (89%). The main reason reported for not being vaccinated or incomplete vaccination was the need of more information. No vaccination was significantly higher among dentists aged 40 years and over (OR=8.62; 95%CI: 1.88-39.41) and those who did not attend refreshment courses in the last two years prior to the survey (OR=2.72; 95%CI: 1.02-7.22). Incomplete vaccination was positively associated with non-use of gloves during work (OR=2.32; 95%CI: 1.08-4.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of information, possibly associated to lower attendance to refreshment courses, seems to be one of the main factors affecting the vaccination rate.

Factors associated with Mexico City dentists' willingness to treat AIDS/HIV-positive patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and infection control practices of dentists in Mexico City in relation to their willingness to treat AIDS/HIV-positive patients.

STUDY DESIGN

The population study encompassed Mexico City dentists who were selected according to a geographic criterion. A questionnaire was delivered personally to each participant, and multiple logistic regression was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 598 dentists participated in the study. The response rate was 99.3% (598/602). Seventy-four percent (444) of the dentists said they would be willing to treat AIDS/HIV-positive patients. Among the variables associated with the prediction of willingness to treat these patients were glove-wearing patterns (odds ratio, 2.39; confidence interval, 1.4-4.2), types of available sterilization equipment (odds ratio = 2.42; confidence interval, 1.4-4.1), fear of losing non-AIDS/HIV-positive patients (odds ratio = 4.28; confidence interval, 2.3-8.4), and risk perception of HIV transmission (odds ratio = 2.66; confidence interval, 1.5-4.9). An interaction was found between perception of risk of HIV transmission and increase in costs (odds ratio = 3.35; confidence interval, 1.3-8.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 26% of the Mexico City dentists included in the study were not willing to treat AIDS/HIV-positive patients. Educational programs aimed at misperceptions appear to be warranted.