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"Dental students had a high prevalence and low reporting rate of NSI exposure. Inadequate knowledge might increase the probability of NSI exposure" Huang et al (2022).

Needlestick among dental students

Abstract:

Background: Dental students are vulnerable to needlestick injuries (NSI) due to their inadequate training. However, the global prevalence of NSI among dental students is unknown.

Aim: To determine the pooled prevalence among dental students, epidemiological profile, and risk factors for NSI.

Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42022312778). Eligible studies were identified from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, OVID, and EBSCO databases. A meta-analysis with a random effects model was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence, and meta-regression was conducted to explore heterogeneity among studies.

Findings: A total of 25 studies from 15 countries met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled prevalence of NSI among dental students was 44% (95% CI: 38-51%). Local anesthesia, tooth cleaning or scaling, and waste disposal were associated with highest risk for NSI. Most studies observed under-reporting of NSI. Dental students had inadequate knowledge regarding post-exposure management.

Conclusion: Dental students had a high prevalence and low reporting rate of NSI exposure. Inadequate knowledge might increase the probability of NSI exposure.


Reference:

Huang J, Li N, Xu H, Liu Y, An N, Cai Z. Global prevalence, risk factors and reporting practice of needlestick and sharps injuries among dental students: A systematic review and Meta-analysis. J Hosp Infect. 2022 Jun 30:S0195-6701(22)00203-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.06.015. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35781020.