Knowledge, attitudes and practice survey on blood-borne diseases among dental health care workers in Georgia
Introduction: In Georgia limited data exists about awareness of blood borne-diseases among dental health care workers (DHCW). Methodology: To assess DHCW knowledge, attitudes and practices related to infection control practice guidelines designed to limit transmission of blood-borne diseases, a...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
2018-10-01
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| Series: | Journal of Infection in Developing Countries |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/view/9911 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: In Georgia limited data exists about awareness of blood borne-diseases among dental health care workers (DHCW).
Methodology: To assess DHCW knowledge, attitudes and practices related to infection control practice guidelines designed to limit transmission of blood-borne diseases, a cross-sectional study was conducted. All respondents were asked to voluntarily complete a self-administered questionnaire. Doctors of Dental Medicine, nurses, and dental residents were recruited from 13 private and governmental dental units in three large Georgian cities: Tbilisi (the capital city), Batumi (Western Georgia) and Rustavi (Eastern Georgia).
Results: Of 244 DHCWs recruited, 196 (80%) agreed to participate. Nearly 42% DHCWs did not know the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Georgia. Knowledge about risk factors for transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HCV and HBV was low; correct response proportions among all DHCWs were 45.3%, 37.9% and 34.2% for these pathogens, respectively. The 59.7% of DHCWs were uninformed about post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Only 37.3% reported being well informed on infection control guidelines. Nearly all (95.6%) DHCWs expressed interest in receiving additional education on occupational transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
Conclusions: Overall, the study suggests DHCWs are aware they have insufficient knowledge of universal precautions. There is a need for developing a continuous education program that is accessible to practicing DHCWs.
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| ISSN: | 1972-2680 |