A multicenter survey of factors influencing knowledge, attitude and behavior of dentists towards blood borne virus infected patients and associated infection control guidelines

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitude, and behavior (KAB) of dentists toward blood-borne virus (BBV) diseases, associated hazards, and infection control guidelines and to determine factors which influence KAB of dentists toward above-mentioned variables. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey. Eighty-four dentists were provided a self-prepared, structured questionnaire. The dentists were of varying specialties and health-care sectors. Frequency distribution and Fisher's exact test were performed. Results: Most of the dentists knew the common oral manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, but none knew all. Many dentists were not aware of mode of transmission of hepatitis D virus (HDV) (n = 42), herpes simplex virus (n = 50), and herpes zoster virus (n = 47). Over half of the dentists (n = 43) did not know that hepatitis C virus vaccine does not exist. Many dentists (n = 63) knew that interferon is used for treating hepatitis B virus infection. Knowledge of HDV transmission and infection control officer availability in dentist's clinic were influenced by a number of continued dental education (CDE) hours and workplace of dentist. Most of the dentists were not aware of National Health Service guidelines for BBV-infected dentists practicing exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). Conclusion: KAB of dentists was influenced by a number of CDE hours and workplace of dentist. We request the dental authorities to increase the number of infection control-based CDE hours, BBV educational campaign for dentists and to issue a guidelines for BBV-infected dentists practicing EPP.