NEEDLE STICK INJURIES; CONCEPT & HANDLING AMONG JUNIOR DENTIST

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the concepts & handling of needle stick injuries among junior dentists of city Hyderabad. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study. Setting: Dental House Surgeons & Postgraduates. Period: June 2015 to January 2016. Methodology: The study population of 200 dentists were included working either in civil or private settings of Hyderabad, Sindh. Questionnaire designed to obtain information about their concepts and handling regarding NSIs. Results: 75(37.5%) of them were working in Oral Surgery department, 53(26.5%) in Operative dentistry, 35(17.5%) in Orthodontics, 22(11%) in Periodontology, and 15(7.5%) in Prosthodontics. 77(38.5%) had idea about transmission of Hepatitis B, 89(44.5%) about Hepatitis C, & 34(17%) about HIV/AIDS by NSI. 168(84%) had knowledge about universal precautions guidelines, 16(8%) use safety devices to dispose used sharp objects. 189(94.5%) had faced NSIs ever. 97(48.5%) had knowledge about post exposure prophylaxis in the management of needle stick injury. 37(18.5%) had said that they will contact to medical emergency room if they expose to NSI, 32(16%) will contact to oral surgery department, 53(26.5%) will consult with their physician & 78(39%) said that they will manage themselves. Conclusion: this study confirm that junior dentists of Hyderabad experience the NSIs but are not liable to report them, therefore they necessitate the improvement in clinical training for preventing & reporting all NSIs. Through Support, counseling and tutoring by their Occupational Health Department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]