Attitudes and Practices of Senegalese Dentists towards Hepatitis B

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B is an infectious viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver. It is transmitted through body secretions and fluids, including genital secretions, saliva and blood. The objective of this study was to assess the attitudes and practices of dental surgeons in the face infection of Hepatitis B. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional a sample of 171 dental surgeons. Probabilistic multi-stage, stratified, and systematic sampling was used. Using a questionnaire, we gathered variables related to the attitudes and practices of dentists with respect to Hep B. Results: Nearly 22% of dentists were not vaccinated against hepatitis B virus; Compliance with the use of gloves, glasses, professional clothing, and hygiene in dental offices was not systematic. Blood exposure accidents (BEA) were common, with nearly 13% suffering from needle stick injuries, 10% from eye splashes and about 6% from sharp instruments. The majority of the actions to be taken in the event of (BEA) were disinfection in the event of sticks or injuries (52.1%) and rinsing in the event of eye splashes (66.7%). Conclusion: Dentists should be educated and informed about the need for vaccination and hygiene, sterilization, and good behaviour in case of exposure to blood.