UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS: Knowledge, compliance and perceived barriers among dental practitioners of public and private dental institutes in Karachi

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge and use of universal precautions for blood-borne pathogens and to assess the perceived barriers of adherence to universal precautions at workplace among dentists at public and private dental hospitals in Karachi. In addition, the frequency of exposure to blood-borne pathogens and needle stick injuries among dentists in the last six months.

Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the dental institutes of Karachi. The study tool was a self-administered healthcare professional questionnaire inquiring about respondent characteristics, knowledge level, universal precautions practices, compliance with UP, and body fluid exposure. Of the 500, 370 questionnaires were completed and included in the study.

Results: Dentists at both public and private institutes showed the highest percentages (>90%) for statements about HIV/Hepatitis B and C and the route of transmission of these pathogens. Of the 12 up practices, dentists at both institutes showed higher compliance values (>80%) for 5 statements. Overall compliance (at least 60% responses were always in category) was 48% in public practitioners and 13.5% in private institutes. The perceived barriers in UP practices were identified as: unavailability of policies posted in department (pub: 30%, pvt: 82.3%), tough job duties (pub: 50%, pvt: 37.2). Altogether, 309 exposure incidents were reported by dentists in the public sector and 235 in the private sector for the last 6 months before the study.

Conclusion: It was concluded that dentists at both institutes have adequate knowledge of blood borne pathogens and adhere to most of universal precautions practices. In the public sector, dentists have a comparatively lower number of factors that interfere with universal precautions than private institutes. Dental institutes should be vigilant about UP adherence among dentists working in OPDs.