Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists in Jakarta Towards Cross-Infection of Infectious Diseases
Najla Nadiah1, Firstine Kelsi Hartanto1, Indrayadi Gunardi1, Jacinda Jesslyn2, Elizabeth Fitriana Sari3

1 Oral medicine department, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti
2 Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti
3 La Trobe University, Australia

Abstract

Background: Infectious diseases are one of the major health concerns worldwide. The dental practice environment has a high potential as a source of transmission of infectious diseases among patients and healthcare workers. Dentists and other members of the dental team are at risk of exposure to various infectious microorganisms in their workplace environment. Objective: This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding cross-infection of infectious diseases. Methods: This study utilized an observational descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. A questionnaire consisting of 21 knowledge questions and 15 attitude questions regarding cross-infection of tuberculosis, herpes simplex, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19 was distributed to dentists in the Jakarta area. Results: The study involved 97 subjects who met the inclusion criteria. The study included 21.6% male subjects and 78.4% female subjects, with 37.1% of them aged <30 years and 62.9% aged &#8805-30 years. Among the subjects, 82.5% were general dentists and 17.5% were specialist dentists. The results showed that 90.7% of the sources of knowledge about infectious diseases were obtained through formal education. The knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding cross-infection of infectious diseases were categorized as good, with dentists demonstrating better knowledge and attitudes compared to specialist dentists. Subjects aged &#8805-30 years tended to have better knowledge and attitudes compared to those aged <30 years. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding cross-infection of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, herpes simplex, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19 indicate a good category.

Keywords: Knowledge, Attitudes, Cross-infection, Infectious diseases

Topic: Epidemiology