RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: In Georgia limited data exists about awareness of blood borne-diseases among dental health care workers (DHCW). METHODOLOGY: To assess DHCW knowledge, attitudes and practices related to infection control practice guidelines designed to limit transmission of blood-borne diseases, a cross-sectional study was conducted. All respondents were asked to voluntarily complete a self-administered questionnaire. Doctors of Dental Medicine, nurses, and dental residents were recruited from 13 private and governmental dental units in three large Georgian cities: Tbilisi (the capital city), Batumi (Western Georgia) and Rustavi (Eastern Georgia). RESULTS: Of 244 DHCWs recruited, 196 (80%) agreed to participate. Nearly 42% DHCWs did not know the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Georgia. Knowledge about risk factors for transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HCV and HBV was low; correct response proportions among all DHCWs were 45.3%, 37.9% and 34.2% for these pathogens, respectively. The 59.7% of DHCWs were uninformed about post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Only 37.3% reported being well informed on infection control guidelines. Nearly all (95.6%) DHCWs expressed interest in receiving additional education on occupational transmission of blood-borne pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the study suggests DHCWs are aware they have insufficient knowledge of universal precautions. There is a need for developing a continuous education program that is accessible to practicing DHCWs.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Patógenos Transmitidos pelo Sangue , Competência Clínica/estatística & dados numéricos , Serviços de Saúde Bucal/normas , Pessoal de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Controle de Infecções/normas , Precauções Universais , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , República da Geórgia , Pesquisas sobre Atenção à Saúde , Pessoal de Saúde/normas , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Guias de Prática Clínica como AssuntoRESUMO
From 2002 to 2005 the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV project operated in Georgia and was managed by the Maternal and Child Care Union. The project covered Tbilisi, the capital, and included 34 clinics that provide women's healthcare. Out of 35,385 pregnant women starting prenatal care in clinics involved in the project, 91% (32,262) had received HIV counseling and, among those counseled, 94% (30,330) were tested for HIV antibodies; 14 pregnant women (<0.001%) were found to be HIV-infected.
