A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z All
Rawat, Paridhi
- Hepatitis-B: an Alarming Infectious Condition- How Aware are We???
Authors
1 Seema Dental College & Hospital, Rishikesh, IN
2 Professor & HOD, Department of Prosthodontics, Seema Dental College & Hospital, Rishikesh, IN
3 Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute, Rishikesh, IN
4 Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Seema Dental College & Hospital, Rishikesh, IN
Source
Journal of Academy of Dental Education, Vol 1, No 1 (2014), Pagination: 23-28Abstract
Background & Objectives:Infections caused by blood-borne pathogens like HCV, HBV or HCV have emerged as a hurricane for health-care workers. Among them, Hepatitis-B is a leading cause of morbidity & mortality all around the world especially placing health workers at higher occupational risks. Also percutaneous injuries in dental clinic are risk factors for transmission of HBV. Hence a bi-directional relationship exists between dentist & patient regarding transmission of HBV. The present study is designed to evaluate degree of awareness & knowledge about HBV & status of vaccination against it, among the dental students & clinicians.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 279 dental professionals including 41 clinicians, 45 post-graduate students, 80 interns and 113 B.D.S III & IV Yr students by means of a questionnaire. Data was collected & then analyzed in SPSS version-16.
Result: Our results were noteworthy that nearly 89.6% claimed that hepatitis-b is preventable. Positively, 90.71% subjects were vaccinated against HBV & 62.8% showed positive attitude towards HBV+ patients. However, some alarming findings are that 54.64% didn’t know about post-exposure prophylaxis and 79.84% didn’t have any idea about serum HBV DNA viral load considered safe according to CDC.
Conclusion: The present study consolidates the urgent need for further spread of knowledge & awareness about Hepatitis-B. We also highlight practice of “Standard Infection Control” measures and strict adherence to tenets of CDC guidelines. Hence the call of the hour is to spread awareness about Hepatitis-B which can turn to be a “mouse or an elephant in dental clinic.”
Keywords
Blood-Borne Pathogens, Anti-HBs Status, Serum HBV DNA Viral Load, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, CDC Recommendations, Standard Infection Control, Protective Personnel Equipment, Engineering Controls.References
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