Abstract

FERNANDES, Clarissa Pessoa et al. Dentists' protective measures against occupational and sexual exposure to hepatitis B virus. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) [online]. 2013, vol.61, n.3, pp. 327-333. ISSN 1981-8637.

Objective This study investigated the sexual and occupational exposure of dentists to hepatitis B virus. Methods The study used a self-administered, structured, and anonymous questionnaire to collect data from 318 dentists who attended the International Congress of Dentistry held in 2009. The findings were tabulated and associations between variables were determined by the chi-square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests. Results Most (84.9%) dentists used all the personal protective equipment. Roughly 68.0% had experienced percutaneous injuries but only 36.4% sought specialized care. An unimpressive 75.8% of the sample received the three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, and a meager 27.0% was tested for hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs). Only 20.1% of the study dentists used condoms and those with more years of practice were less likely to use them (p=0.006). Conclusion The results show that the study sample is at sexual and occupational risk of hepatitis B infection.

Keywords : Dentistry; Hepatitis B; Sexuality.Transmission.