Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding risk of HIV infection through accidental needlestick injuries among dental students of Raichur, India

Abstract

Background:Injuries from occupational accidents are associ-ated with agents of biological risk, as they are the gateway to serious and potentially lethal infectious diseases that can be spread by contact between people. Several studies have demonstrated that dental students are among the most vulnerable to blood-borne exposure.Objectives:To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding risk of HIV transmission through accidental needlestick injury amongst dental students and providing supportive and proper guidelines regarding needlestick injuries and HIV infection.Study design:This was a cross-sectional study done at a dental college attached to a tertiary care hospital, which included third, fourth year students and interns. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Chi-square test.Results:Of the 120 students, 13 (11%) were not even aware that virus could be transmitted through infected needle. A significant proportion of the third year students i.e. 27 (67.5%) were not aware of correct method of disposal of disposable needles and syringes as against interns 17 (42.5%). Around 31 (26%) said that they would promote active bleeding at the site of injury and 37 (30%) said they would take post-exposure prophylaxis.Conclusion:Dental professionals are at a risk of occupational acquisition of HIV primarily due to accidental exposure to infected blood and body fluids. There is a need of correcting the existing misconceptions through education programs early in the course and providing supportive and proper guidelines regarding needlestick injuries and HIV infection.

Knowledge, risk perception and attitudes of Dentistry students with regard to HIV/AIDS

“…However, the more advanced semesters, as might be presumed, showed better risk perception than those less advanced, as students in the latter stages are just beginning to form their perceptions of risk. The same result has been described in other studies 2,[9][10][11][14][15][21][22] . In contrast, research performed by Jafari et al 23 demonstrated that students in the final years of an Iranian university's dentistry course showed good risk perception regarding the prevention and transmission of HIV due to their constant contact with sick patients, since these students helped out in a care center for patients with diseases.…”

“…As for post-accident measures, it may be inferred from this study that students have not been properly instructed or do not seek to apply the knowledge they have acquired, as only 12% filled in the biological accident notification forms and only 16% asked for the source-patient's serology. Other studies in the literature also revealed poor adherence to postexposure protocols and unsatisfactory knowledge in this regard 2,9,10,[21][22] .…”

“…On the other hand, several studies report knowledge of HIV/AIDS by students and dental surgeons as being unsatisfactory or poor 3,[9][10][11][12]15,18,[22][23][24] . We propose further research, in other institutions, on the same topics as the present study, in order to assess the knowledge acquired by students and whether it is enough to provide an awareness that can generate attitudes of ethical and legal responsibility, as well as improvements in the academic curriculum, which may include approaches involving precautionary standards, cross infections and doctor-patient relationships in all matters associated with the clinic, demanding from students greater interrelation between theory and practice.…”

Awareness About Needle Stick Injures and Sharps Disposal: A Study Conducted at Army College of Dental Sciences

“…It is important to dispose the sharps properly, otherwise they might get entangled in linen or garbage and can injure the health workers who encounter them unexpectedly [4]. In spite of published literature and training programmes to prevent these injuries, significant success has not been achieved in preventing needle stick injuries.…”

KAP regarding HIV infection through accidental needlestick injuries among dental students

“…[1] Guruprasad and Chauhan reported that “There is a need of correcting the existing misconceptions through education programs early in the course and providing supportive and proper guidelines regarding needlestick injuries and HIV infection”. [1] Indeed, the concern on medical personnel accidental exposure and HIV infection risk has been talked for a long time. It is no doubt that the students are the most vulnerable group with the highest risk due to their lowest experience and knowledge.…”