Prevalence and associated factors for needlestick and sharp injuries (NSIs) among dental assistants in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background Dental personnel are subject to exposure to a number of occupational factors including needlestick and sharp injuries (NSIs). Our study aims to address knowledge gaps on prevalence and associated factors for needlestick and sharp injuries (NSIs) for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 450 dental assistants recruited from 40 randomly selected private clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data on demographic characteristics, history of NSIs, nature of work, compliance with infection control protocols, and knowledge of infection control procedures and disease transmission were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with NSIs; unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Results About three in ten dental assistants experienced at least one NSI (29.8%, 95% CI 25.6–34.2%) in private dental clinics. Lack of adequate knowledge of infection control procedures and disease transmission, non-compliance with infection control protocol of vaccination against hepatitis B virus, and attending 12 or less number of patients daily were significantly associated with increased risk of NSIs (p ≤ 0.05); adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were 1.87 (1.18–2.97), 1.89 (1.05–3.41), and 1.63 (1.03–2.56), respectively. In addition, dental assistants working in 45.8% of dental clinics that had no infection control unit were positively associated with higher NSI risk (aOR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.45–3.57). Conclusion Our study reported the prevalent nature of NSIs among dental assistants in Saudi Arabia and identified key factors that could be targeted to mitigate this preventable condition. Dental assistants would benefit from proper training on infection control protocols and procedures.

Prevalence of needlestick injuries among nursing interns: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The risk of blood-and body fluidborne diseases after sharp instrument injury is much higher than that of skin and mucous membrane contact. Therefore, medical staff, particularly nursing interns, are at high risk of severe occupational exposure (32)(33)(34).…”

Factors Associated with Nursing Students’ Intention to Report Needlestick Injuries: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior

“…According to World Health Organization, two million healthcare workers globally suffer from needlestick injuries yearly, causing the transmission of hepatitis B and C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS (Pavithran et al, 2015). The estimated global burden of diseases from occupational exposure to hepatitis B and C and HIV infections among healthcare workers reaches 39%, 37%, and 4.4%, respectively (AlDakhil, Yenugadhati, Al-Seraihi, & Al-Zoughool, 2019). Correspondingly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, the global estimates of needlestick injuries occurring each year is around 600,000 to one million (Tayaben, 2015).…”

Compliance with Infection Control Practices among Dental Interns in Alexandria, Egypt

“…Many dental instruments used in both surgical and non surgical dental procedures could cause needlestick injuries and hence could be a potential source of infection. These procedures include normal extraction, surgical extraction of remaining roots, odonectomy of impacted teeth, and accidental punctures from dental needles during injection of local anaesthesia [15,16] . Sharps safety practices and proper biohazard waste management disposal should be strictly implemented and followed.…”