scholarly journals Infection Control Measures in Dental Clinics during Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (D) ◽  
pp. 61-67
Author(s):  
Rawa Kamal Abdelrahim ◽  
Husham Abu Elgasim Abdoun ◽  
Pradeep Koppolu ◽  
Lingam Amara Swapna

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 is an infectious respiratory disease causing different symptoms ranging from mild to more complicated cases. In dental clinics, there is a potential risk of cross-infection between dental health worker and patients. Therefore, new infection prevention measures have been recommended to minimize spread of COVID-19 in dental clinics. AIM: The aim of this study is to get an insight into the infection control measures followed by dentists and modification done in personal protective equipment (PPE) to combat spread of infection during COVID-19 in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional data using online Google survey. The sample included dentists working in either private or government from different regions in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association between categorical variables (p < 0.05) RESULTS: Seventy dentists included in the study of which 40% are working in Riyadh. Dental clinics are undertaken respiratory triage and reduce number of patients in waiting area (91% and 98%, respectively). Increased usage of PPE (head cap, face shield, and N95 mask) during the pandemic was observed in the study sample (p = 0.001). Working hours and number of patients were reduced during COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Evidence shows that majority of dentists working in KSA are following recommended measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Some dentists modified their PPE during the pandemic. However, further research is required to investigate adherence to infection control measures by dentists.

Author(s):  
Ruba M. Mustafa ◽  
Ruwaida Z. Alshali ◽  
Dalea M. Bukhary

As antiviral vaccines are still pending for the COVID-19 disease, improving dentists’ knowledge and prevention measures is important. This study aimed to assess dentists’ knowledge, attitude, and perception of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia during the early outbreak period. In addition, infection control measures for dental setting were also assessed. Online questionnaire was distributed to dentists in different regions of Saudi Arabia when COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia was at its beginning. The questionnaire was assessing demographic variables, knowledge, attitude, risk perception, and preparedness towards COVID-19. Questions regarding infection control measures were also included. The correct incubation period of the virus was recognized by 43% of participants. Fever, cough, and shortness of breath were the mostly recognized symptoms for COVID-19 (98.9%, 95.5%, and 93.3% respectively). Participants in age groups ≥60, 50–59, and 20–29 years old were more likely to perceive COVID-19 as a very dangerous disease compared to 30–39 and 40–49 age groups. Dentists in Saudi Arabia showed satisfactory knowledge and positive attitude towards COVID-19. Improving dentists’ level of knowledge could be achieved through increasing their accessibility to materials provided by dental health care authorities, which specifies the best and safest approaches for dealing with patients during and after the outbreak.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 479-486
Author(s):  
Tahani M. Alharbi ◽  
Afrah M. Alharbi ◽  
Rafal K. Khayyat ◽  
Jawaher B. Aldaadi ◽  
Ibtesam K. Afifi

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (03) ◽  
pp. 152-156
Author(s):  
Yashfika Abdul Bari ◽  
◽  
Syeda Maliha Waqar ◽  
Saqif Nasir ◽  
Kamil Zafar ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess infection control measures in dental practices during COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: It was a cross-sectional web based survey conducted during COVID-19 outbreak from the period of June 2020 to August 2020. The study participants were the dental surgeons who were either working in hospital setup or running their own private practice or working in private dental setup. The survey consisted of sets of questions to assess whether dental practitioners have implemented strategies to combat novel corona virus infection in their practice. It also consists of questions that assess aerosol generating procedures are commencing with or without out any COVID-19 symptoms. RESULTS: About 39.1% participants reported that 75% of the number of patients in their clinic had been reduced and 52.2% of the participants reported that >50% of the patients came for endodontic procedures with pain. Eighty one percent of the participants were maintaining hand hygiene before touching all patients, 71.7% before any cleaning, 78.3% before any aseptic procedure, 81% after exposure to patient’s fluid and 80.4% after touching. There was low compliance regarding the use of personal protective equipment and almost 62.6% were using eye wear for all patients, 58.7% were disinfecting whole clinical room before new patient and 43.9% were using single use (disposable) examination set during COVID-19 outbreak. CONCLUSION: Majority of dentist in Pakistan were following the recommendations and guidelines of infection control practices related to COVID-19 pandemic. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, coronavirus, infection control measures, practices, dentistry


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (08) ◽  
pp. 829-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid M. Almutairi ◽  
Abdulaziz Alhomaidi Alodhayani ◽  
Mahaman Moussa ◽  
Ahmad E. Aboshaiqah ◽  
Regie B. Tumala ◽  
...  

Introduction: As medical professionals on the front lines in the outbreaks of infectious disease like Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), healthcare providers must have sufficient knowledge, skills, and best practices to protect themselves and the public from the disease. The purpose of this study is to identify the level of awareness, attitudes and practices among healthcare workers in relation to precautionary measures to EVD. Methodology: A total of 177 physicians and 545 nurses participated in a descriptive cross-sectional study from a tertiary government hospital in Saudi Arabia. All subjects answered a self-administered questionnaire focusing on their level of awareness, concerns, and clinical practice related to EVD. Results: Majority of the participants were knowledgeable about the etiology, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, and treatment of EVD. All of the participants had high levels of concern about EVD (p=0.001) and about the implementation of strict standard infection control precautionary measures. The study found that greater infection control measures were taken by the participants including frequent hand washing, use of personal protective equipment, and avoiding normal activities such as going to work, school, travel, etc. if fever symptoms appear. Conclusion: A combination of evidence based knowledge about EVD and high levels of concern of healthcare providers in relation to precautionary measures to EVD are the main factors leading to strict compliance with the infection control measures recommended in this study. Additionally, healthcare providers must be trained in infection control and adhere to the universal infection control standard guidelines to facilitate prevention and precaution.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257513
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Hori ◽  
Takahiko Fukuchi ◽  
Masamitsu Sanui ◽  
Takashi Moriya ◽  
Hitoshi Sugawara

Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is associated with a high mortality rate in older adults; therefore, it is important for medical institutions to take measures to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. This study aimed to assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) and the effectiveness of infection control measures. Methods This study had a cross-sectional component and a prospective cohort component. The cross-sectional component comprised an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody survey among HCWs at a medical center in Saitama City, Japan. In the prospective cohort component, HCWs at the same medical center were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies monthly over a 3-month period (May to July 2020) to assess the effectiveness of infection prevention measures, including personal protective equipment use. All participants in the cohort study also participated in the antibody survey. The primary outcome was anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody (measured using Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2) positivity based on whether participants were engaged in COVID-19-related medical care. Other risk factors considered included occupational category, age, and sex. Results In total, 607 HCWs participated in the antibody survey and 116 doctors and nurses participated in the cohort study. Only one of the 607 participants in the survey tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. All participants in the cohort study were anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody negative at baseline and remained antibody negative. Engaging in the care of COVID-19 patients did not increase the risk of antibody positivity. During the study period, a total of 30 COVID-19 in-patients were treated in the hospital. Conclusions The infection control measures in the hospital protected HCWs from nosocomially acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection; thus, HCWs should engage in COVID-19-related medical care with confidence provided that they adhere to infectious disease precautions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 296-302
Author(s):  
Pallavi Saraswat ◽  
Rajnarayan R Tiwari ◽  
Muralidhar Varma ◽  
Sameer Phadnis ◽  
Monica Sindhu

Background/Aims Hospital-acquired infections pose a risk to the wellbeing of both patients and staff. They are largely preventable, particularly if hospital staff have adequate knowledge of and adherence to infection control policies. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of hospital-acquired infection control measures among hospital staff. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 71 staff members in a tertiary healthcare facility in Karnataka, India. The researchers distributed a questionnaire containing 33 questions regarding knowledge of hospital-acquired infections, awareness of infection control policies and adherence to control practices. The results were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 16.0 and a Kruskal–Wallis test. Results Respondents' mean percentage score on the knowledge of hospital-acquired infections section was 72%. Their mean percentage scores on the awareness and practice of infection prevention measures sections were 82% and 77% respectively. Doctors and those with more years of experience typically scored higher. Conclusion The respondents had an acceptable level of knowledge, awareness and adherence to infection control practices. However, continued training is essential in the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. The majority of the respondents stated that they were willing to undertake training in this area, and this opportunity should be provided in order to improve infection control quality.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1593
Author(s):  
Kyoko Yoshioka-Maeda ◽  
Yuka Sumikawa ◽  
Noriha Tanaka ◽  
Chikako Honda ◽  
Riho Iwasaki-Motegi ◽  
...  

This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) describe the unclassified contents of telephone consultation services provided by a public health center during the first wave of COVID-19 in Japan and (2) examine whether the contents required assistance from public health nurses (PHNs). We analyzed a total of 207 calls in which the purpose of the call was unclassified into pre-set categories. PHNs transcribed the exact text of the consultation conversations recorded from 25 March to 20 April 2020 in City A. Approximately half of the calls were from residents. Seven categories were extracted through a qualitative content analysis. The most common topic was infection control measures, where the presence of COVID-19 infection was assumed (n = 62); the second most common was extreme anxiety and fear of infection (n = 50). Questions about the COVID-19 response system (n = 30), discrimination and misunderstandings about COVID-19 (n = 24), and response measures for COVID-19 outbreaks within organizations (n = 18) were also included. The unclassified consultations included various topics, several of which required the expertise of a PHN. Each local government should consider sharing and task-shifting telephone consultation services among PHNs and other staff to reduce their burden and allow them to concentrate on conducting infection control more effectively.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-177
Author(s):  
Ramand Haji ◽  
◽  
Dana Abdilkarim ◽  
Salar Ali ◽  
Srwa Mohammad ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: Nurses can prevent the occurrence and transmission of noso-comial infections by following infection control measures such as wearing gloves and masks, using appropriate disinfection of skin and preventing accidental needle-stick inju-ries. This research aimed to evaluate the availability of hospital uniforms, personal protec-tive equipment, and infection control activities at hospitals in Sulaimani in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and to examine nurses’ experience of nosocomial infections. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study was performed at 10 governmental hospi-tals during the period from 20th February to 28th September 2018. 525 nurses were se-lected as participants by a convenience sampling method. A self-administrated question-naire was used to collect data, which were analysed using SPSS software. Results: The results showed that 268 nurses (51%) reported that their hospitals provided sufficient uniforms to all the medical staff and the majority of nurses, 444 respondents (84.6%) stated that they were responsible for cleaning their working uniforms. 441 nurses reported that they did not acquire a nosocomial infection, and 479 (91.2%) did not have an accident during their work in the hospital. 79.9% of the nurses (404) reported recapping syringe needles after the usage, and 98 (18.7%) gave a low rating to the infection control unit activity in their hospitals. Finally, more than half of nurses (330) representing 62.9% of the sample were vaccinated against nosocomial infections. Conclusions: Most of Sulaimani governmental hospitals are providing sufficient uniforms for the health staff, the majority of nurses were vaccinated against one or more nosocomi-al infections, and the majority of nurses do needle syringe recapping.


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