Awareness And Preventive Measures Against Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Dental Surgeons In Lagos State

Objectives : The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of Hepatitis B Virus(HBV) infection among Dental Surgeons in Lagos state and to identify preventive measures adopted against HBV infection. Materials and Methods: 220 structured self-administered questionnaires about knowledge of HBV and infection control measures were distributed to Dentists in Lagos University Teaching Hospital; Lagos State University Teaching Hospital; Military Hospital, Yaba, Lagos; Military Hospital, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos; Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Lagos; General Hospital Lagos and 12 Private Dental Clinics. The response rate was 85 percent. Results: A high level of awareness and knowledge of HBV infection was demonstrated in this study compared to previous studies.22 15 This however did not translate into a commensurate increase in crossinfection control practices. 71 percent of Dentists usually took a detailed medical history of their patients. 66.3 percent had been vaccinated against Hepatitis B Virus; 94.5 percent wore and changed gloves during treatment and 100 percent in between patients; 36 percent wore and changed face masks during treatment and in between patients. 66.9 percent used autoclaves for sterilization, 62 percent had special containers for sharps disposal while 50% always used sterilization wrappers. Only 26 percent always disinfected working surfaces in between patients. Based on these responses, only a small percentage of Dentists in this sample were considered to be compliantwith an inventory of standard infection control procedures. Conclusions: There is a great need in Lagos, perhaps in Nigeria as a whole for the adoption and implementation of standard infection procedures and the provision of formal and obligatory infection control courses and guidelines for Dental Surgeons by the Ministry of Health and the Dental Association, in addition to distribution of standard infection control manuals that incorporate current infection control recommendations. Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Occupational Hazard, Cross Infection, Post Exposure prophylaxis (PEP), Dental Surgeons.