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Occupational Safety and Hygiene of Dentists from Urban and Rural Areas in Terms of Sharp Injuries: Wound Structure, Causes of Injuries and Barriers to Reporting—Cross-Sectional Study, Poland

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Garus-Pakowska

    (Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland)

  • Mariusz Górajski

    (Department of Econometrics, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland)

  • Ewelina Gaszyńska

    (Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

(1) Background: Frequent contact of the dentist with potentially infectious material (PIM) is undeniable. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and type of injuries, as well as to identify barriers to reporting and barriers to the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among dentists from urban and rural areas. (2) Methods: We surveyed 192 dentists using an anonymous questionnaire. (3) Results: During the 12 months preceding the survey, 63% of dentists from the village and 58.8% of dentists from the city suffered at least one superficial cut, and deep cuts 15.1% and 17.6% respectively. Contact with PIM through spitting on the conjunctiva was 58.9% and 52.1% (village vs. city). Needle stick injuries were 50.4% and fingers were affected in 48.8% cases. The causes of injuries were: inattention 54.7%, rush 27%, unpredictable behavior of the patient 19%, recapping 18.2%. Work in the countryside was associated with a 1.95-times greater chance of not reporting injuries. The distance from a hospital with antiretroviral treatment may be a barrier to the implementation of PEP. (4) Conclusion: The circumstances of the injuries and the reasons for not applying for antiretroviral treatment point to the areas of necessary dentist education in this topic.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Garus-Pakowska & Mariusz Górajski & Ewelina Gaszyńska, 2018. "Occupational Safety and Hygiene of Dentists from Urban and Rural Areas in Terms of Sharp Injuries: Wound Structure, Causes of Injuries and Barriers to Reporting—Cross-Sectional Study, Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-10, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:8:p:1655-:d:161896
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hsin-Chung Cheng & Chen-Yi Su & Amy Ming-Fang Yen & Chiung-Fang Huang, 2012. "Factors Affecting Occupational Exposure to Needlestick and Sharps Injuries among Dentists in Taiwan: A Nationwide Survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(4), pages 1-7, April.
    2. Anna Garus-Pakowska & Mariusz Górajski & Franciszek Szatko, 2017. "Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists with Respect to the Risks of Blood-Borne Pathogens—A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, January.
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