Journal Article

Knowledge, attitudes and practice survey on blood-borne diseases among dental health care workers in Georgia

Butsashvili, Maia, Chubinishvili, Olga, DeHovitz, Jack, Kochlamazashvili, Marika, Kamkamidze, George, McNutt, Louise-Anne

2018

Overview

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.

• Publisher: Journal of Infection in Developing Countries,The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
• Subject: Adult / Attitude of Health Personnel / blood borne infections / Blood-Borne Pathogens / Clinical Competence - statistics & numerical data / Cross-Sectional Studies / Dental health / Dental Health Care Worker / Dental Health Services - standards / Disease control / Female / Georgia (Republic) / Health Care Surveys / Health Personnel - standards / Health Personnel - statistics & numerical data / Hepatitis B / Hepatitis C / HIV / Human immunodeficiency virus / Humans / Infection Control - standards / knowledge and attitudes / Male / Middle Aged / Pathogens / Practice Guidelines as Topic / Universal Precautions