Attitudes of Nigerian dentists towards Hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques.
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Date
2005
Authors
Utomi, I.L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
West African Journal of Medicine
Abstract
Objective: Hepatitis B virus constitutes a significant threatb to the health of the dental professional. Infection with hepatitis B virus can however be prevented through hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques. This study therefore assesses the attitudes of Nigerian dentists towards Hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques.
Materials and Method: A questionnaire survey of 160 dental practitioners in Lagos, Ife and Benin.
Result: 48.1% had complete vaccination, 3.1% incomplete vaccination and 48.8% no vaccination. 97.5% reported routine use of glovesand 70.6% reported routine use of masks. 61.3% and 23.1% reported routine use of protective gowns and eyewear respectively.
Conclusion: There is need to improve the rate of vaccination among Nigerian dentists and to encourage consistent use of barrier techniques.
Description
Keywords
Dentists - attitude , Hepatitis B , Hepatitis B - vaccination , Barrier techniques
Citation
Utomi I.L. (2005). Attitudes of Nigerian dentists towards Hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques. West African Journal of Medicine, 24(3): 223-226.