A Survey of Cross-Infection Control: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Dental Students

Abstract

Objective: The  objectives  of  this  study  were  to  investigate various infection control methods  and  amenability  with infection  control  procedures  experienced  by  undergraduate dental students in their clinical years and house officers at Jinnah Medical & Dental College.

Study Design: Observational / Descriptive / Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in one of the private sector college, Jinnah Medical & Dental College in Karachi from 15^th January 2016 to 20^th February 2016

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in one of the private sector college, Jinnah medical & dental college in Karachi. The study set comprised of 3^rd and 4^th year dental students and house officers (n=80). A 24 item questionnaire was used to collect data related to knowledge about cross infection, barrier techniques, vaccination status, infection control practices and awareness. The questionnaire used was de-novo.  It was distributed to all the students and house officers. The self-administered questionnaires were collected immediately after completion on the same day. The responses of the questionnaire were coded for data analysis. Results obtained from different individuals were analyzed using SPSS.

Results: In this present study, majority of the students were well aware of cross infection in the first two years of medical/dental college studies whereas the remaining 20% came to know about it in their last two years. Regarding barrier techniques, it was found that (77%) students were well aware of all 4 components of PPE. When enquired whether the students were immunized against hepatitis B, 89% had an affirmative response. In our study there was a low prevalence of needlestick injury (30%). This indicates that our students have substantial knowledge and understanding about handling of sharp objects and are adequately practicing them

Conclusion: The knowledge about cross infection in students was found to be adequate but application of prevention protocols need to be emphasized.