Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of infection control among dental health care workers (DHCW) in a dental hospital in Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study that used a close-ended questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 110 DHCW. Estimation of 95% confidence intervals was used to test the proportions of the knowledge levels. Data were analyzed using MS Excel. Results: Out of 150 DHCW, a convenient sample of 110 DHCW participated in the study, with 10 non-respondents. Female participants (58) were more than males (42); M:F = 1:1.38. Age range was 21–41 years (mean=25.7 years). Most respondents ( n =79, 79%) were students aged 20 to 24 years. Overall, 46% of the participants were ill informed about infection control, 32% did not practice the recommended infection control practices, while 39% had a negative attitude towards various aspects of infection control. Conclusion: These results show that infection control measures need enforcement and daily practice regularly. Continuous and compulsory training in infection control is recommended for those working in clinics. Keywords: Infection, Dental, Sterilization
Highlights
The transmission of infectious agents between patients and dental health care workers (DHCW) in dental settings is rare, cases of cross-contamination in dental settings, including patient-to-patient transmissions, were reported from 2003 to 2015 [1, 2]
Despite advances in infection control and the emphasis placed on standard measures to follow, in recent years the problem has persisted in health care centers such as dental clinics and hospitals [4]
Most DHCW (90%, n=90) sterilized impressions going to the laboratory, but only 32% (n=32) sterilized work coming from the laboratory
Summary
The transmission of infectious agents between patients and dental health care workers (DHCW) in dental settings is rare, cases of cross-contamination in dental settings, including patient-to-patient transmissions, were reported from 2003 to 2015 [1, 2]. These reports highlighted the need for comprehensive training to improve the understanding of underlying principles, recommended practices, their implementation, and the conditions that must be met to prevent disease transmission [3]. In the health care set up, care of the instruments and work environment to prevent cross-infection is paramount. Many surveys have been carried out on cross-infection control procedures in several countries, but literature is
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