Public perception of cross-infection control in dentistry in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the perception of patients on the use of gloves and facemasks in dental practice, methods of sterilisation and the risk of cross-infection.


METHODS
Questionnaire survey of patients attending two teaching hospitals and a private dental clinic in Lagos, Nigeria.


RESULTS
228 respondents returned the questionnaires. Nearly all (98.6%) regarded the use of gloves as necessary and 189 (82.9%) did not mind the use of gloves, only 129 (56.6%) felt the facemask was necessary although 132 (57.9%) did not mind its use. More than half of the respondents (54%) felt they could contract an infection in the dental clinic and 43% of them identified HIV as a risk. This response was significantly affected by educational status (p<0.05). 140 patients (61.4%) would not attend a clinic if they knew that HIV patients were treated there. Females were significantly more unwilling to attend (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
While this survey shows a high level of acceptance of the use of gloves, there is a glaring lack of knowledge and acceptance of the use of the facemask indicating a need for more effective public enlightenment on the use of barrier methods. It also reveals a great deal of fear for HIV among Nigerians.
Sofola
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OO
Department of Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria. oysofola@yahoo.com
Uti
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Onigbinde
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011481:Protective Clothing; D012737:Sex Factors; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires