J Korean Acad Oral Health.  2018 Dec;42(4):175-180. 10.11149/jkaoh.2018.42.4.175.

Factors affecting practice of infectious wastes management of dental professionals

• Lee EB
• Jang JH

• KMID: 2430539
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11149/jkaoh.2018.42.4.175

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between oral health professionals' knowledge, attitude, and practice with regard to infectious waste management and to identify related factors influencing it.
METHODS
The study comprised of 219 oral health professionals from select dental clinics and public health centers recruited between August 25, 2016 and September 5, 2016, who agreed to participate in the study with full understanding of the study objectives. A self-reported questionnaire was administered, which consisted of 22 items on knowledge of infectious waste management, 9 items on attitude, and 16 items on practice. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression analyses.
RESULTS
The age, knowledge, and clinical attitude of oral health professionals significantly correlated with waste management practice. Specifically, infectious waste management practice improved with increasing age, a greater level of knowledge, and a more positive clinical attitude. Additionally, the standardized regression coefficient demonstrated that, of these three factors, clinical attitude more strongly correlated with effective waste management practice, followed by age and level of knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS
These results indicated that oral health professionals had a low level of knowledge regarding infectious waste management, and a more positive clinical attitude resulted in better practices. Therefore, the development of detailed and active education guidelines and strategies are needed to enhance the attitude, knowledge, and practice of oral health professionals with regard to infectious waste management.

Keyword

Attitude; Infectious waste management; Knowledge; Practice

MeSH Terms

Dental Clinics
Education
Oral Health
Public Health
Waste Management

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