Awareness and Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures among OralHealth Care Workers in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Some studies have been conducted worldwide onthe preparedness of dentists and even dental students for infectionprevention and control with regard to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemicbut very few studies have been done among other Oral Health CareWorkers (OHCWs). The purpose of this study was to assess theknowledge and practices of dental health care workers in Nigeria oninfection prevention and control with regards to COVID-19.METHODS: This was a descriptive study on the knowledge andpractices regarding infection control protocols and procedures withregard to the COVID-19 pandemic among dental personnel in Nigeria.A validated self-administered questionnaire was utilised for datacollection. Bivariate analysis was done with a Chi-squared test todetermine the association between the participants age, gender,profession and place of practice with knowledge and practicesregarding COVID 19 infection. Statistical significance in associationswas inferred at P-value < 0.05.RESULTS: The majority of the OHCWs (77.4%) had good knowledgeabout infection prevention and control, and regulations regardingCOVID-19, but most of them (58.5%) displayed poor practices withregard to infection prevention and control regulations related toCOVID-19. Male respondents (68.8%), those aged between 55­64(83.3%) years and Dental therapists (71.4%) had a higher proportionof those with good practices with the male gender and profession(Dental Therapist) being significantly associated with good practices.(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Our study identified a high rate of knowledge butlow compliance with infection prevention and control guidelinesregarding COVID-19. Better compliance with recommended infectioncontrol and waste management practices for all OHCWs and continuingeducation programs promoting infection control awareness are vitalto improving the practices of these OHCWs