Public Perception of Cross infection Control in Dentistry in Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2005
Authors
Sofola, O.O
Uti, O.G
Onigbinde, O.O
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
FDI/World Dental Press
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the perception of patients on the use of gloves and facemasks in
dental practice, methods of sterilisation and the risk of cross-infection. Methods: Questionnaire
survey of patients attending two teaching hospitals and a private dental clinic in Lagos,
Nigeria. Results: 228 respondents returned the questionnaires. Nearly all (98.6%) regarded
the use of gloves as necessary and 189 (82.9%) did not mind the use of gloves, only 129
(56.6%) felt the facemask was necessary although 132 (57.9%) did not mind its use. More
than half of the respondents (54%) felt they could contract an infection in the dental clinic
and 43% of them identified HIV as a risk. This response was significantly affected by
educational status (p<0.05). 140 patients (61.4%) would not attend a clinic if they knew that
HIV patients were treated there. Females were significantly more unwilling to attend
(p<0.05). Conclusion: While this survey shows a high level of acceptance of the use of
gloves, there is a glaring lack of knowledge and acceptance of the use of the facemask
indicating a need for more effective public enlightenment on the use of barrier methods. It
also reveals a great deal of fear for HIV among Nigerians.
Description
Keywords
Public, Perception, Infection Control