Medical and dental students’ attitude and practice of prevention strategies against hepatitis B virus infection in a Nigerian university

Abstract

IntroductionMedical and dental students are a high-risk group for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection which is an occupational hazard for them and a leading cause of death globally. Prevention strategies include vaccination and observance of standard precaution. However, available reports claim utilization of the prevention strategies is low. This study evaluated the attitude of the students towards HBV vaccine and cross-infection practices.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study carried out at the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Using the convenience sampling method, anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the first 120 participants that volunteered to participate in the study. Data analysis was done using IBM's Statistical Package (SPSS) version 20 software. Statistical level of significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsOver eighty percent (83.2%) of the participants had at least a dose of the HBV vaccine while 79.65% completed the three doses. Majority (94.7%) of the students that did not receive the vaccine cited their busy schedule as the reason for their failure to be vaccinated. Taking every patient as a contagious disease risk (86.5%), washing hands after contact with patients' body fluids (82.1%) and wearing gloves before touching mucous membranes and non-intact skin (74.1%) were the most practiced universal standard precaution items.ConclusionThe uptake rate of HBV vaccination and practice of standard precaution among the students are commendable. However, there is need for improvement considering the level of HBV infection in Nigeria.

Awareness and compliance of dental students and interns toward infection control at Riyadh Elm University

“…In our study population the compliance was greater than that of these other studies [33], [37], [45], [46], [47], [48], [49], [50] but still in need of improvement. …”

“…Even at dental schools, dental students did not comply with infection control practices very well [13], [31], [34], [39], [40], [41], [42], [43], [44], [45], [46], [47], [48], [49], [50], [51]. …”

Hepatitis B Immunization Analysis: Tracking of Antibody Levels among Dental Patients

“…4 In this context, the primary methods to reduce the risks of HBV infection must be explored in dental schools to promote the use of personal protective equipment and establish the importance of adhering to the post-exposure prophylaxis following a needlestick or sharps injury. 5 In addition, the adoption of biosecurity measures in the treatment of patients is indispensable in the clinical conduct, as it is the best method to prevent the direct transmission of pathogenic microorganisms and crossinfections inside the dental clinic. 6 The primary method of preventing hepatitis B infection is through vaccination against HBV; therefore, it is considered a valuable method to maintain the health integrity of healthcare professionals and patients, hence reducing the spread and incidence of the disease.…”

Infection Control Practices

“…11 that reside in blood, respiratory tract and oral cavity. 12 Prosthodontics and orthodontics appliances in contact with saliva, blood and oral tissues could be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. 13 Disinfection of impressions, and aerosol generation via pumice slurry during polishing these microorganism could be transmitted to laboratory staff.…”

“…[16][17] All dental technicians must be immunized against hepatitis B virus. 12 After the completion of every case pumice must be changed. The pumice and rag wheels must be disinfected daily at minimum.…”