Medical Principles and Practice

Original Paper

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Occupational Risks and Hepatitis B Vaccination Status of Dental Auxiliaries in Nigeria

Azodo C.C.a · Ehigiator O.b · Ojo M.A.b

Author affiliations

Departments of aPeriodontics and bOral Medicine and Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

Corresponding Author

Dr. Clement Chinedu Azodo

Department of Periodontics, University of Benin Teaching Hospital

New Dental Complex, PMB 1111 Ugbowo

300001 Benin City, Edo State (Nigeria)

E-Mail clementazodo@yahoo.com

Keywords: Occupational riskHepatitis BVaccinationDental auxiliaries

Related Articles for ""
Med Princ Pract 2010;19:364–366
https://doi.org/10.1159/000316374

Abstract

Objective: To assess the occupational exposure to needlestick and sharps injuries and hepatitis B vaccination status among dental auxiliaries. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 83 dental auxiliaries was conducted that included 12 technologists, 11 therapists, 53 nurses/surgical assistants, and 7 record officers. The survey included demography, history of needlestick and sharps injury, hepatitis B vaccination, knowledge and attitude towards HIV-infected patients, and the dental auxiliaries’ information needs on HIV-related issues. Results: Of the 83 dental auxiliaries, 34 (41%) had experienced needlestick and sharps injury in the last 12 months. At the time of the study, only 43 (51.8%) had been immunized against hepatitis B. 62 (74.7%) of the respondents thought that it was easier to contract HIV than hepatitis B through needlestick in a dental clinic. 21 (25.3%) would not assist dentists treating HIV-positive patients. However, 76 (91.6%), a majority, agreed that they needed more information on HIV-related issues, with 59 (71.1%) specifying a single area of need and 17 (20.5%) more than one area of need. The single areas of need specified in descending order were infection control (n = 22, 26.5%), HIV counseling (n = 12, 14.5%), oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS (n = 11, 13.3%), postexposure prophylaxis (n = 9, 10.8%), and antiretroviral therapy (n = 5, 6.0%). Conclusion: The data from this survey underscore the urgent need for educational interventions to encourage safe work practices. Hepatitis B vaccination, HIV-related knowledge and proper postexposure prophylaxis are needed to prevent occupational transmission of blood-borne viruses.

© 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel



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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Received: July 16, 2009
Accepted: November 18, 2009
Published online: July 14, 2010
Issue release date: July 2010

Number of Print Pages: 3
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0

ISSN: 1011-7571 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0151 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/MPP

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July 2010

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