Occupational risks and hepatitis B vaccination status of dental auxiliaries in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the occupational exposure to needlestick and sharps injuries and hepatitis B vaccination status among dental auxiliaries.


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%).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Azodo
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CC
Department of Periodontics, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, 300001 Benin City, Nigeria. clementazodo@yahoo.com
Ehigiator
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O
Ojo
M A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003726:Dental Assistants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines