[Hepatitis B vaccination among dentists surgeons]

Exploring the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Hepatitis B Infection Among Dental Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B infection is a universal health problem. Worldwide, 5% of health-care-related injections continued unsafe. Dentist considers being at high-risk group for cross infection. Therefore, their knowledge and practice towards Hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive patients should be at an optimal level.

AIM

The current study is aimed to evaluate and comparison of the knowledge, attitude and practice of Saudi dental students and interns towards HBV infection.

METHODS

A self-explanatory questionnaire comprising of 16 questions was designed to assess and compare students' knowledge, attitude and risk perception regarding hepatitis B infection among dental students across Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

The response rate was 91.6% the overall knowledge of the participants was poor. The attitude was fair, with the female show a significant difference in attitude and practice (P-value < 0.05). The overall practice was good, 78.1% was vaccinated against HBV, and 73.2% stated that they regularly use personal protection equipment. The higher levels show a good attitude and practice compared with the lower levels; the difference was significant (P value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The overall knowledge was below average, continuous health education courses are mandatory.

Oral health in the agenda of priorities in public health

This study describes the scientific production on oral health diffused in Revista de Saúde Pública, in the 50 years of its publication. A narrative review study was carried out using PubMed, as it is the search database that indexes all issues of the journal. From 1967 to 2015, 162 manuscripts specifically focused on oral health themes were published. This theme was present in all volumes of the journal, with increasing participation over the years. Dental caries was the most studied theme, constantly present in the journal since its first issue. Periodontal disease, fluorosis, malocclusions, and other themes emerged even before the decline of dental caries indicators. Oral health policy is the most recurring theme in the last two decades. Revista de Saúde Pública has been an important vehicle for dissemination, communication, and reflection on oral health, contributing in a relevant way to the technical-scientific interaction between professionals in this field. RESUMO Este estudo descreve a produção científica sobre saúde bucal veiculada na Revista de Saúde Pública, nos cinquenta anos de sua publicação. Foi realizado estudo de revisão narrativa, utilizando o PubMed como mecanismo de busca que indexa todos os fascículos da revista. De 1967 a 2015, foram publicados 162 manuscritos com foco específico em temas de saúde bucal. Essa temática esteve presente em todos os volumes da revista, com participação crescente ao longo dos anos. Cárie dentária foi o tema mais estudado, marcando presença constante na revista desde seu primeiro fascículo. Doença periodontal, fluorose, oclusopatias e outros temas emergiram antes mesmo do declínio dos indicadores de cárie. Políticas de saúde bucal é o tema mais recorrente nas duas últimas décadas. A Revista de Saúde Pública tem sido importante veículo de divulgação, comunicação e reflexão sobre saúde bucal, contribuindo de modo relevante para a interação técnico-científica entre os profissionais da área.

Vacinação contra hepatite B e Anti-HBS entre trabalhadores da saúde

ResumoObjetivoAvaliar a prevalência de vacinação para hepatite B e os fatores associados entre trabalhadores da atenção primária e da média complexidade do setor saúde.MetodologiaEstudo transversal com 506 trabalhadores do setor saúde de um município do Recôncavo Baiano. Utilizou-se questionário para investigar situação vacinal para hepatite B. Análises uni e bivariada foram utilizadas para avaliação dos fatores associados à vacinação.ResultadosHouve predomínio do sexo feminino (78,3%) e do vínculo de trabalho permanente (63,8%); além disso, 78,1% dos trabalhadores fizeram uma avaliação positiva da saúde. A maioria referiu ter recebido três doses da vacina contra hepatite B (59,9%). Enfermeiras, técnicas e médicos estiveram mais imunizados (91,8%). Os fatores associados à vacinação foram: sexo, idade, escolaridade, uso de equipamento de proteção individual e contato com material biológico.DiscussãoA prevalência da vacinação completa contra hepatite B foi de 59,9%, indicando uma cobertura baixa. É preciso estimular os profissionais que não desenvolveram um nível de anticorpos adequado após o esquema vacinal primário a refazer uma quarta dose.ConsideraçõesIndivíduos que não estão imunes à doença devem ser informados que são suscetíveis ao VHB até que tenham comprovação imunológica. Questões sobre biossegurança nos currículos acadêmicos colaboraram para incorporação de atitudes mais positivas frente à adesão à vacinação.

Is vaccination against hepatitis B a reality among primary health care workers?

OBJECTIVE

To verify the prevalence and factors associated with vaccination against hepatitis B among Primary Health Care workers in Montes Claros/MG.

METHOD

A cross-sectional, analytic study was undertaken. Data were collected through a form, which contained sociodemographic, occupational, general health and behavioral variables. Associations were investigated through bivariate analysis and Poisson's multivariate regression, using SPSS 17.0.

RESULTS

95.5% answered the question about vaccination; 47.5% did not complete the vaccination scheme. The prevalence of vaccinated professionals was lower among older workers, who were hired, did not participate in occupational health updates and consumed alcohol. Prevalence levels were higher among professionals with more years of education and who reported contact with piercing and cutting instruments .

CONCLUSIONS

Professional education, knowledge and perception of infection risks are important determinants of the vaccination scheme. Instability at work may lead to negligence and negligent behaviors may repeat themselves. The characterization of professionals who did not get vaccinated will direct educative actions in occupational health.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Status of Infection Control among Iranian Dentists and Dental Students: A Systematic Review

Background and aims

Infection control is an important issue in dentistry, and the dentists are primarily responsible for observing the relevant procedures. Therefore, the present study evaluated knowledge, attitude, practice, and status of infection control among Iranian dentists through systematic review of published results.

Materials and methods

In this systematic review, the required data was collected searching for keywords including infection, infection control, behavior, performance, practice, attitude, knowledge, dent*, prevention, Iran* and their Persian equivalents in PubMed, Science Direct, Iranmedex, SID, Medlib, and Magiran databases with a time limit of 1985 to 2012. Out of 698 articles, 15 completely related articles were finally considered and the rest were excluded due to lake of relev-ance to the study goals. The required data were extracted and summarized in an Extraction Table and were analyzed ma-nually.

Results

Evaluating the results of studies indicated inappropriate knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding infection control among Iranian dentists and dental students. Using personal protection devices and observing measures required for infection control were not in accordance with global standards.

Conclusion

The knowledge, attitudes, and practice of infection control in Iranian dental settings were found to be inadequate. Therefore, dentists should be educated more on the subject and special programs should be in place to monitor the dental settings for observing infection control standards.

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.

Hepatitis-B vaccination status among dental surgeons in benin city, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The development of success-oriented hepatitis-B vaccine uptake approach among dental surgeons is dependent on the availability of comprehensive baseline data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the hepatitis-B vaccination status among dental surgeons in Benin City.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of dental surgeons in Benin City was conducted in May 2011. The questionnaire elicited information on demography, occupational risk rating of contracting hepatitis-B infection, hepatitis-B vaccination status, barriers to uptake of hepatitis vaccine, and suggestions on how to improve hepatitis-B vaccination rates among dental surgeons.

RESULTS

Participation rate in the study was 93.3%. More than half (51.4%) of the respondents were 20-30 years old and 52 (74.3%) were males. The occupational risk of contracting hepatitis-B infection among dental surgeons was rated as either high or very high by 51 (72.9%) of the respondents. Amongst the respondents, 14 (20.0%) had received three doses of the hepatitis-B vaccine, 34 (48.6%) either two doses or a single dose, and 22 (31.4%) were not vaccinated. The major barriers reported among the respondents who were not vaccinated were lack of opportunity and the fear of side effects of the vaccines. The suggested ways to increase the vaccination rate among the respondents in descending order include: Making the vaccine available at no cost (51.4%), educating dentists on the merits of vaccination (17.1%), and using the evidence of vaccination as a requirement for annual practicing license renewal (14.3%) and for the employment of dental surgeons (11.4%) and others (2.9%).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed low prevalence of complete hepatitis-B vaccination among the respondents. Improvement in uptake following the respondents' recommendations will serve as a template in developing success-oriented strategies among stakeholders.

Vacinação contra hepatite B e exposição ocupacional no setor saúde em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores associados à vacinação contra hepatite B em trabalhadores da saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 1.808 trabalhadores da saúde do setor público de Belo Horizonte, MG, em 2009. Questionário autoadministrado foi usado e a situação vacinal foi analisada considerando características sociodemográficas, estilo de vida, características e condições de trabalho. Análises estatísticas univariada (p < 0,20) e múltipla foram realizadas utilizando regressão de Poisson (p < 0,05) para avaliação de fatores associados à vacinação. RESULTADOS: Declararam ter sido vacinados 85,6% dos trabalhadores, 74,9% dos quais receberam esquema completo da vacina. Não ter sido vacinado associou-se a não ter companheiro, a escolaridade em nível médio/técnico ou superior incompleto e a características do trabalho, como atuar na vigilância ou setor administrativo/serviços gerais e não utilizar equipamentos de proteção individual. CONCLUSÕES: Foram identificados grupos com menor cobertura vacinal. São necessários esforços para garantir o acesso e a adesão à vacinação a todos os grupos ocupacionais.

Compliance with occupational post-exposure protocol for injuries among dental surgeons

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the compliance with occupational post-exposure protocol for accidents and factors associated with compliance among dental surgeons.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in the municipality of Montes Claros, Southeastern Brazil, from 2007 to 2008, with accident reports from needles and sharp instruments among practicing dental surgeons. Variables describing the dentists' characteristics, work conditions, clients, injuries from needles and sharp instruments and post-accident actions were evaluated by means of a previously tested, structured questionnaire. The data underwent descriptive analysis and chi-square testing (p<0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 241 dentists (89.2%) answered the questionnaire. Compliance with occupational post-exposure protocol was reported by 51.5%. The majority of the professionals reported seeing blood at the time of the accident. Burs were the instrument most often involved in accidents, and the finger was the most injured body part. Compliance with a post-exposure protocol was more prevalent among those with greater monthly income (OR=2.42; 95% CI=1.03;5.71), continuing education in the last two years (OR=2.16; 95% CI=1.09;4.27) and who took regular breaks every four hours (OR=1.23; 95% CI=1.23;4.92). Dental surgeons who attended to children (OR=0.50; 95%CI=0.27;0.93) and to individuals from the middle, middle-high and high socioeconomic classes (OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.31;0.95) showed less compliance with the occupational post-exposure protocol. The frequency of compliance to a post-exposure protocol was significantly greater among individuals who followed the actions described in post-exposure protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

There is low compliance with occupational post-exposure protocols among dentists, which is influenced by the knowledge and monthly income of professionals, by taking regular breaks, by age group and the socioeconomic class of the clientele.

Hepatitis B virus infection in dentistry: a forgotten topic

More than two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Globally, 350-400 million suffer from chronic HBV infection. It is postulated that dentists and dental staff are infected and transmit the virus to their patients more than any other occupation. The aim of this article is to review the HBV incidence in dental society, the points of view of dentists and their patients regarding transmission of the virus during dental procedures, the occurrence of HBV outbreaks in dental clinics and the importance of methods of preventing HBV infection in dentistry.

Acidentes perfurocortantes: prevalência e medidas profiláticas em alunos de odontologia

Doenças infecto-contagiosas têm estimulado pesquisas sobre acidentes ocupacionais e biossegurança entre profissionais da saúde de diferentes países. No Brasil, poucos são os estudos realizados na Odontologia. Este estudo objetivou identificar a prevalência de acidentes perfurocortantes e as medidas profiláticas pós-acidentes em duas Faculdades de Odontologia de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. A amostra se constituiu de 300 alunos do ciclo profissional, escolhidos aleatoriamente e entrevistados por um dos pesquisadores. Constatou-se que a prevalência de alunos acidentados nas duas instituições foi de 25,3%, com percentual mais elevado nos alunos do 8º ao 10º períodos (35,3%). Dos acidentados, 34,2% foram orientados por professores em relação às medidas profiláticas. A maioria (73,7%) se restringiu a lavar o ferimento com água e sabão. Apenas 13,2% procuraram serviço médico especializado em acidentes ocupacionais, no entanto, 88,7% classificaram o conhecimento que tinham acerca de medidas profiláticas pós-acidentes de razoável a bom. Os autores concluíram que um percentual ainda elevado de acadêmicos foi submetido à experiência de acidentes perfurocortantes, com potencial de contaminação biológica, fazendo-se necessário potencializar medidas profiláticas no intuito de minimizar tais circunstâncias deletérias à saúde daqueles envolvidos na assistência odontológica.

[Hepatitis B vaccination among primary health care workers]

Health care workers' immunization against hepatitis B is an essential measure to avoid occupational transmission of hepatitis B virus at primary health care centers. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of complete-series vaccination against hepatitis B, estimate the prevalence of confirmed immunity, and verify the factors associated with complete-series vaccination among primary health care workers in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil. A total of 1,249 primary health care workers participated in this study. The prevalence of complete hepatitis B vaccination was 64.61%, and 29.82% of workers indicated knowing they were immunized after taking a serological test to confirm immunity. In the adjusted analysis, complete-series vaccination was positively associated with higher level of schooling and contact with potentially infectious materials or sharps, and negatively associated with precarious employment status and current smoking. Educational measures are recommended to achieve vaccination of health workers who have not been vaccinated or have not completed the series and to inform on the need for vaccine response monitoring.

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.

Seropositivity for hepatitis B virus, vaccination coverage, and vaccine response in dentists from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

This study investigated the seropositivity for hepatitis B virus (HBV), the vaccination index, and the vaccine response index in dentists from Campo Grande, MS. Blood samples from 474 dentists (63.7% women and 36.3% men), with a mean age of 38.5 +/- 10.5 years were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the serological markers: HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc. The HBsAg positive samples were tested for anti-HBc IgM, HBeAg, and anti-HBe. A total of 51 (10.8%) dentists showed seropositivity for HBV. Three (0.6%) were HBsAg/anti-HBc/anti-HBe positive, 43 (9.1%) were anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive, and 5 (1.1%) had only anti-HBc. Viral DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 9 (17.6%) out of 51 HBV seropositive samples. A vaccination index of 96.6% (458/474) was observed, although 73.1% (335/458)completed the three-dose schedule. Excluding 46 HBV seropositive individuals from 458 that reported vaccination, 412 were analyzed for vaccine response index. It was observed that 74.5% (307/412) were anti-HBs positive; this percentage increased to 79.1% when three doses were administered. The results showed a high vaccination index and a good rate of vaccine response; however, the failure in completing the three-dose schedule and the occurrence of HBV infection reinforce the need for more effective prevention strategies.