I L Utomi1. 1. Department of Child Dental Health, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. ifeomautomi@yahoo.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis B virus constitutes a significant threat to the health of the dental professional. Infection with hepatitis B virus can however be prevented through hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques. This study therefore assesses the attitudes of Nigerian dentists towards hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A questionnaire survey of 160 dental practitioners in Lagos, Ibadan, Ife and Benin. RESULT: 48.1% had complete vaccination, 3.1% incomplete vaccination and 48.8% no vaccination. 97.5% reported routine use of gloves and 70.6% reported routine use of masks. 61.3% and 23.1% reported routine use of protective gowns and eyewear respectively. CONCLUSION: There is need to improve the rate of hepatitis B vaccination among Nigerian dentists and to encourage consistent use of barrier techniques.
OBJECTIVE:Hepatitis B virus constitutes a significant threat to the health of the dental professional. Infection with hepatitis B virus can however be prevented through hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques. This study therefore assesses the attitudes of Nigerian dentists towards hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A questionnaire survey of 160 dental practitioners in Lagos, Ibadan, Ife and Benin. RESULT: 48.1% had complete vaccination, 3.1% incomplete vaccination and 48.8% no vaccination. 97.5% reported routine use of gloves and 70.6% reported routine use of masks. 61.3% and 23.1% reported routine use of protective gowns and eyewear respectively. CONCLUSION: There is need to improve the rate of hepatitis B vaccination among Nigerian dentists and to encourage consistent use of barrier techniques.
Authors: Vera Lúcia S Resende; Mauro Henrique G Abreu; Saul M Paiva; Rosângela Teixeira; Isabela A Pordeus Journal: Virol J Date: 2010-07-13 Impact factor: 4.099