Risk Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Implementation of Various Protective Measures by Dentists Across Various Countries

Objective: Healthcare workers in general are at a high risk of potential infections with COVID-19, especially those who work with aerosol generating procedures. Dentists fall in this category, as not only do they operate with aerosol generating procedures but also operate within a face-to-face contact area. Methods: A structured self-administered questionnaire was developed at Najran University and provided to the participants for data collection. The data collected included information on risk perception and incorporation of measures for protection against COVID-19 to gauge the attitude of dentists during this period. Also, clinical implementation of various protective measures was reviewed. Results: Of the n = 322 dentists that answered the questions, 50% were general dentists and 28.9% were dentists working at specialist clinics, while the remaining 21.1% of dentists were employed in academic institutions. Among the newer additions to the clinic, 36.3% of dentists answered that they had added atomizers to their practices, followed by 26.4% of dentists that had incorporated the use of UV lamps for sterilization. We found that 18.9% dentists were using HEPA filters in their clinics, while 9.9% of dentists were making use of fumigation devices to control the risk of infection. One-way ANOVA was also carried out to demonstrate that there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.049) between groups of dentists utilizing HEPA filters, UV lamps, atomizers, and fumigation devices to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV2 across their workplaces. Conclusion: Dentists are aware of recently updated knowledge about the modes of transmission of COVID-19 and the recommended infection control measures in dental settings. A better understanding of the situation and methods to prevent it will ensure that the dental community is able to provide healthcare services to patients during the pandemic.

Download Full-text

Compliance of Healthcare Professionals with Safety Measures for Control of Hepatitis Viruses in Hemodialysis Centers: An Experience from Southeast Iran

Hepatitis Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2012/415841 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sodaif Darvish Moghaddam ◽

Mohammad Javad Zahedi ◽

Mahdieh Dalili ◽

Mostafa Shokoohi

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Compliance Rate ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Control Measures ◽

Hepatitis Viruses ◽

Safety Measures ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Periodic Monitoring ◽

Single Use

Introduction. Noncompliance with the recommended infection control measures by the healthcare professionals (HCPs) plays a major role in transmission of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses in hemodialysis (HD) wards. This study aimed to determine the compliance rate of the HCP with safety measures in the HD wards in southeast Iran. Patients and Methods. A total of 208 patients were enrolled. Adherence of HCPs with standard infection control measures was assessed. Results. Sixty-one HCPs with a mean age of 32.4 ± 11.2 years old were responsible for healthcare services. Compliance with the following items was weak: not sharing medications trolley (29.8%), disinfecting the shared instruments (46.2%), using single use materials for many patients (52.4%), carrying used materials in disposable containers (51.9%), not returning of unused materials to the clean room (55.3%), and adherence to hand washing (58.7%). Periodic monitoring for HBV and HCV was performed on 100% and 69.7% of the patients, respectively. Less than 2/3 of HCPs participated in the retraining courses. Conclusion. Compliance of HCPs with safety measures for viral hepatitis prevention was partly inadequate in HD wards. Emphasis on retraining of HCPs and official supervision would be effective steps in the reduction of viral dissemination.

Download Full-text

1666. Community Beliefs about Ebola and Implications for Disease Control in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1530 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. S609-S609

Author(s):

Qaasim Mian ◽

Kasereka Masumbuko Claude ◽

Michael Hawkes

Keyword(s):

Ebola Virus ◽

Democratic Republic ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Control Measures ◽

Community Members ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Major Barrier ◽

Modes Of Transmission ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Republic Of The Congo

Abstract Background The current Ebola epidemic in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has surpassed 1,300 cases and 800 deaths. Social resistance is a major barrier to control efforts, and invites an exploration of community beliefs around Ebola and its origins. Methods Mixed-methods study, using focus group discussions (FGDs) with key community informants and a 19-item survey questionnaire broadly sampling the outbreak zone. Results Between 4 to 17 August, 2018, we conducted 4 FGDs (20 participants) and surveyed 286 community members across Eastern DRC. FGDs revealed a widespread rumor in Mangina early in the epidemic of two twins bewitched by their aunt after eating her cat, who developed bleeding symptoms and triggered the epidemic. However, this myth appeared to dissipate as the epidemic progressed and biomedical transmission became generally accepted (medical syncretism). In our survey, 6% of respondents endorsed supernatural origins of Ebola. This subgroup did not differ from other respondents in terms of knowledge of biomedical modes of transmission or resistant attitudes toward infection control measures, but was more likely to believe that traditional healers could cure Ebola. Wild animals of the forest were recognized as sources of the Ebola virus by 53% of survey respondents. Our findings suggest that skepticism and/or denial of the biomedical discourse, coupled with and mistrust and fear of ETUs may fuel “underground” transmission of Ebola outside western-style medical facilities, as patients seek care from traditional healers, who are ill-equipped to deal with a highly contagious biohazard. Conclusion A deeper understanding of beliefs around Ebola origins may illuminate strategies to engage communities in control efforts. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Download Full-text

Attitudes and practices of infection control among senior dental students at college of dentistry, university of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates

European Journal of Dentistry ◽

10.4103/1305-7456.119058 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 07 (S 01) ◽

pp. S015-S019 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Betul Rahman ◽

Sheela Balu Abraham ◽

Amna Mohammed Alsalami ◽

Fatima Eisa Alkhaja ◽

Shaikha Ibrahim Najem

Keyword(s):

Infectious Diseases ◽

Infection Control ◽

United Arab Emirates ◽

Dental Students ◽

Control Measures ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Control Procedures ◽

Students Attitudes

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate compliance, awareness and practices of infection control procedures among senior dental students at the College of Dentistry, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of 119 subjects of 4 th and 5 th year dental students. A questionnaire was developed with 25 open and closed-ended questions related to barrier techniques, vaccination status, infection control practices and awareness. This was distributed among the senior dental students and completed upon signing the consent form. Each questionnaire was coded to ensure the confidentiality of responses. Results: The questionnaire was distributed among 223 senior dental students at the University of Sharjah of which only 119 students (53%) responded. Compliance with the use of protective barriers was high with the exception of protective eye wear, utilized by a mere 27% of students. There was a significant difference between 4 th and 5 th year dental students′ attitudes (p < 0.05) regarding the treatment of patients with infectious diseases. Compared with 44.4% of the 5 th year students, 68.5% of the 4 th year students did not mind treating patients with infectious diseases. Owing to this, 61.9% of the 5 th year students suffered from non-sterile percutaneous and mucous membrane exposures compared with 44.6% of the 4 th year students (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Efforts are needed to improve attitudes, implement information and motivate students in the correct and routine use of infection control measures. With all infection control protocols already implemented in dental schools, the challenge remains on improving compliance with infection control recommendations.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes Regarding COVID-19 and Infection Control Measures Against it among Dental Students in Saudi Arabia

The Open Dentistry Journal ◽

10.2174/1874210602115010479 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 479-486

Author(s):

Tahani M. Alharbi ◽

Afrah M. Alharbi ◽

Rafal K. Khayyat ◽

Jawaher B. Aldaadi ◽

Ibtesam K. Afifi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Risk Perception ◽

Infection Control ◽

Dental Students ◽

Control Measures ◽

Dental Practice ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Perceptions And Attitudes ◽

Increased Risk

Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by an RNA virus named SARS CoV2. The increased risk of infection by this virus among dental students necessitates updated knowledge and highlights their important role in preventing and controlling its transmission. Objective: This study aims to assess knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding COVID-19 and infection control measures among dental students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students in different Saudi universities using an online self-administered questionnaire. It gathered data on students’ demographic information, knowledge of COVID-19 and infection control measures, risk perception and attitudes toward the disease, and their preparedness for treating infected patients. Results: A total of 327 dental students responded to the questionnaire. Of these students, 92.4% had received training in infection control in dental practice, but only 24.2% had attended training regarding COVID-19. The majority of students had adequate knowledge regarding the modes of transmission and the common symptoms of COVID-19, with statistically significant total mean knowledge scores among students in different academic years (p<0.05). A large percentage of the students (92.7%) agreed that the use of rubber dams or high-volume saliva ejectors could reduce the possibility of transmitting infection. However, 58.4% of the students disagreed that intraoral dental radiographs should be avoided to reduce the possibility of transmitting infection. Conclusion: Although knowledge of and risk perception concerning COVID-19 among students is good, additional training sessions integrating recent international guidelines for infection control are required to update their knowledge and achieve safe dental practice.

Download Full-text

A Qualitative Study to Understand the Risk Perception About Exposure to the Bites of Sandflies Among Migrant Workers in the Lowlands of Northwest Ethiopia. A Health Belief Model Perspective.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-789546/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Resom Berhe ◽

Mark Spigt ◽

Francine Schneider ◽

Lucy Paintain ◽

Cherinet Adera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Migrant Workers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Control Measures ◽

Protective Measure ◽

Health Seeking ◽

Traditional Practice ◽

Protective Measures

Abstract Background: Leishmaniasis is the top health problem among migrant workers in Ethiopia. Poor disease risk perception and inappropriate health-seeking behaviour are significant challenges to prevent and eliminate the disease. Therefore, there is a lack of guidance on supporting migrant workers in taking actions to prevent Leishmaniasis.Method: Between June and November 2019, we conducted qualitative research among migrant workers at risk of Leishmaniasis in Ethiopia. Seventeen Focus Group Discussions and 16 Key informant interviews were conducted to study risk perception in relation to exposure to sandfly bites and the use of sandfly control measures amongst migrant workers. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated for analysis. Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis using ATLASti. Result: Migrant workers feel susceptible to Leishmaniasis due to their past exposure, and the disease is prevalent in the area. However, they feel that Leishmaniasis is a mild illness that is easy to cure. While there is a general acceptance of Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) as a protective measure, hesitations remain in the actual behaviour of utilizing it due to the alternative use of the traditional practice, seasonality, and the inconvenience to hang in the farmland areas. The central cues were the message reminders from health workers and rose in sandfly bite irritation regardless of the high perceived self-efficacy. Based on the findings, three-level intervention modalities are recommended: 1) awareness creation throughout of door media (posters, stickers, billboards) at pre-arrival, 2) the arrival level aims to stimulate the use of protective measures to be initiated and maintained, and 3) the aim at the departure level is to inform about the recognition of late signs and symptoms and the use of the protective measure to be continued at home. Conclusion: This finding proposes that leishmaniasis prevention interventions should focus on individuals' perceptions to promote consistent use of protective measures. Results empowered the researchers to foster comprehension of the content required for effective intervention.

Download Full-text

Nurses Practice Regarding Infection Control Measures during The Second Stage of Labor: A Multicenter Study

Evidence-Based Nursing Research ◽

10.47104/ebnrojs3.v3i1.213 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 13

Author(s):

Somia F. E. Fahmi ◽

Zeinab A. A. Baraia ◽

Inaam H. Abdelati

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

General Hospital ◽

Infection Control Practice ◽

Control Measures ◽

University Hospital ◽

Second Stage Of Labor ◽

Control Practice ◽

Second Stage ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Significant Difference

Context: Infection prevention remains a significant public health challenge for healthcare systems, especially in maternity and delivery units. Good understanding and compliance of nurses with infection control measures during delivery are essential factors that improve maternal and neonatal outcomes and decrease morbidity and mortality. Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses' practice regarding infection control measures during the second stage of labor in multiple centers. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive observational study was adopted in this study. The study population included all nurses working in labor rooms of four hospitals (100 nurses), namely Suez Canal University Hospital, Zagazig University Hospital, Ismailia General Hospital, And Zagazig General Hospital. Data collection tool encompassed a structured interviewing questionnaire to assess nurses' general characteristics, physical and organizational barriers that prevent nurses from complying with infection control measures, infection control practice checklist to assess nurses` compliance with infection control measures during the second stage of labor. Results: The highest percentage of the studied nurses' age was between 19-<29 (56.6%, 63.8%). Near half were technical nurses (43.4%, 44.7%). The majority of the studied nurses had not had periodic checks. Also, most of them were vaccinated against viral hepatitis B (86.8%, 91.5%). There was a statistically significant difference between Ismalia and Zagazig hospitals in physical barriers. The highest mean percent for infection control practice was for perineal care 100%, using the invasive device during labor 92%, preparing birthing room and its equipment 75.9%. A satisfactory infection control practice was revealed among 88% of the studied nurses. The satisfactory practice of nurses was 100%, 92.1%, 86.9%, 44.1% in Zagazig General Hospital, Ismalia University Hospital, Zagazig University Hospital, Ismalia General Hospital, respectively. Conclusion: The result of the study concluded that most nurses' practice regarding infection control in the delivery room was satisfactory. The study recommended upgrading and qualifying nurses in the labor room to improve their practical skills in Obstetric Nursing.

Download Full-text

Developing an Understanding of Adolescents’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward COVID-19

The Journal of School Nursing ◽

10.1177/1059840520957069 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (6) ◽

pp. 430-441 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Latefa Ali Dardas ◽

Inaam Khalaf ◽

Manar Nabolsi ◽

Omayyah Nassar ◽

Suhaila Halasa

Keyword(s):

School Nurses ◽

Control Measures ◽

Health Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Adolescents are more likely to engage in risky health practices related to COVID-19. Their compliance with infection control measures is a key factor to mitigate the spread of the disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 and their correlates among Jordanian adolescents. An online cross-sectional survey was utilized. A total of 1,054 Jordanian adolescents aged 12–18 completed and returned the survey. Overall, Jordanian adolescents showed a good base of knowledge regarding COVID-19 (regardless of their demographic characteristics) and tended to hold positive attitudes toward the country’s curfew and other protective measures. The majority of adolescents reported that television and social media were their main source of information on COVID-19, while few reported receiving such information from their schools. The majority reported practicing effective health protective behaviors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which was significantly predicted by their knowledge and attitudes toward these measures. However, there was a relatively small, yet clinically significant, percentage of adolescents who showed poor knowledge on COVID-19, had negative attitudes toward protective measures, and reported being engaged in risky practices related to infection spread. Tailored efforts are needed to improve the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among adolescents. Raising awareness and promoting positive attitudes are vital to change adolescents’ health practices. Policy makers should ensure that school nurses are available in all schools and working to their full scope. School nurses are the eyes and ears of public health and primary care. They are essential members on pandemic preparedness, reopening and reentry planning teams, and can lead health care in schools and practice in a holistic culturally competent proactive manner to address the needs of students.

Download Full-text

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexual Behaviour as Risk Factors for HIV-2 Infection in Bissau, Guinea Bissau

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/095646249300400408 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 217-221 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anders Nauclér ◽

Paolo Albino ◽

Agusto Paolo Da Silva ◽

Gunnel Biberfeld

Keyword(s):

Sexually Transmitted Diseases ◽

Sexual Behaviour ◽

Treponema Pallidum ◽

Control Measures ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Guinea Bissau ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Significant Difference ◽

History Of ◽

Male Patients

Patients enrolled in a hospital-based case control study ( n = 1009) and a follow-up study ( n = 130) of HIV-2 infection in Bissau were investigated with regard to sexual behaviour and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). A history of genital ulcer was more frequent in HIV-2 infected male patients (46.4%, 13 out of 28) than in seronegative male patients (17.9%, 7 out of 39) ( P = 0.05). Serological evidence of a previous syphilitic infection was significantly related to HIV-2 infection (23%, 12 out of 52, of HIV-2 seropositive patients had a positive Treponema pallidum haemagglutination test compared with 7.1%, 5 out of 70, of seronegative patients, P = 0.025) and was equally frequent in men and women. There was no significant difference in number of non-marital sexual partners and frequency of intercourse between HIV-2 seropositive and seronegative individuals. The seroprevalence of HIV-2 infection was significantly higher among patients with a monogamous marriage, 23.1% (59 out of 255) among males and 31.3% (64 out of 204) among females, than among patients with an officially polygamous marriage, 10.3% (8 out of 77) among males and 11.8% (7 out of 59) among females ( P = 0.025 for males and 0.005 for females). Infection-control measures directed at patients with STD should be promoted in Guinea-Bissau. Further research on sexual behaviour and attitudes is needed.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Personal Protective Measures Adapted by Dental Practitioners in Agra City - A Cross Infection Control Measure

Journal of Oral Health and Community Dentistry ◽

10.5005/johcd-8-3-128 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 128-130

Author(s):

R Gupta ◽

NA Ingle ◽

N Kaur ◽

HV Dubey ◽

E Ingle

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Infection Control ◽

Control Measure ◽

Infection Control Measure ◽

Control Measures ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Universal Precautions ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Agra City

ABSTRACT Introduction CDC (Center for Disease Control & prevention), who proposed Universal Precautions, states that “Treat each patient as potentially risk”. Therefore, it is our basic responsibility to control the spread of such devastating diseases by following infection control measures. Aims & Objectives To assess the various personal protective measures adapted by dental practitioners in Agra city and to know how many dentists are vaccinated against Hepatitis B for prevention of the spread of this disease. Materials and Methods The study included response using questionnaire from 150 dental practitioners from Agra city, chosen by random sampling. Questions were related to their personal protective measures employed by the dental practitioners and information about their prophylaxis against Hepatitis B was also obtained. Results Among the dental practitioners, 80% were males. Approximately 82% of the dental practitioners were vaccinated against HBV. Only 6% followed the CDC recommendations for hand washing practices, and about 64% dental practitioners gave wrong answers related to droplet infection. Conclusion Lack of awareness regarding universal precautions proposed by CDC is observed among dental practitioners. There is a great need for creating awareness among dental practitioners.

Download Full-text

Metallo-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Acinetobacter spp. from Clinical Isolates at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ghana

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/3852419 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Michael A. Olu-Taiwo ◽

Japheth A. Opintan ◽

Francis Samuel Codjoe ◽

Akua Obeng Forson

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care ◽

Multidrug Resistant ◽

Control Measures ◽

Clinical Isolates ◽

Diffusion Method ◽

Resistance Pattern ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Beta Lactamase ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Significant Difference

Metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Acinetobacter spp. is a major challenge for therapeutic treatment of nosocomial infections. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of MBL-producing Acinetobacter spp. among 87 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, between August 2014 and July 2015. Acinetobacter spp. was identified by standard bacteriological method, and resistance to different antibiotics was assessed with the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Meropenem-resistant Acinetobacter isolates were screened for enzyme activity using the modified Hodge test (MHT) and combined disc test (CDT). Additionally, multiplex PCR was used to determine MBL genes presence (blaVIM,blaIMP, and blaNDM). All Acinetobacter isolates showed high resistance to cefotaxime (90.8%), ceftazidime (75.9%), cotrimoxazole (70.1%), ciprofloxacin (64.4%), gentamicin (72.4%), levofloxacin (67.8%), and meropenem (59.8%). A total of 54 (62.1%) of Acinetobacter isolates were multidrug-resistant. Out of 52 (59.8%) meropenem-resistant Acinetobacter, 3 (5.8%) were carbapenemase producers by MHT, whilst, 23 (44.2%) were CDT positive. There was no significant difference between the resistance pattern of amikacin, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem amongst CDT-positive and CDT-negative isolates (p>0.05). A total of 7/87 (8.1%) CDT-positive Acinetobacter isolates harboured blaNDM; of these, 4 (57.1%) were from wound swabs, urine (n=2) (28.6%), and ear swab (n=1) (14.3%). The study revealed that less than 9% of Acinetobacter spp. contained blaNDM encoding genes. Strict antibiotics usage plan and infection control measures are required to prevent the spread of these resistance genes.

Download Full-text