Abstract
Background: Due to the country’s economic challenges, this study was to explore the availability and usage of the PPE. Dentistry is a surgical discipline, and oral microbial flora presents a considerable contamination risk in dental practices. Aerosols can contaminate healthcare professionals and environmental surfaces, heightening the risk of infection from airborne, saliva-transmitted, or blood-borne pathogens. Although extensive global research exists on infection management in dental environments, there is a paucity of studies examining the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of dental practitioners in Zimbabwe. The economic difficulties in Zimbabwe have negatively impacted the utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE). Considering the deterioration of significant government institutions, dentistry is predominantly conducted in the private sector, necessitating heightened knowledge of appropriate PPE utilization.
Aims: The aim of the study was to identify knowledge gaps, assess improper PPE usage practices, and analyse the relationship between job level, experience, and attitudes toward PPE
Methods: The study was a cross-sectional analysis utilizing a questionnaire with closed-ended questions. The participants included both males and female dental professionals with diverse experience levels, ages, genders, and specialties. The sample was purposive, and participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were willingly recruited for the study. The survey had 22 coded inquiries and was conducted anonymously through an internet platform. One hundred fifty-eight dental practitioners participated in the study. The data was entered and analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage, were employed for categorical data. Numerical data were presented as mean and standard deviation. The chi-square test was employed to compare frequencies across variable categories, with a p-value of <0.05 deemed statistically significant.
Results: The chi-square test showed a significant relationship between years of experience and the appreciation of PPE cost-effectiveness, as well as between years of experience and the necessity of wearing PPE before procedures. There were also significant relationships between the wearing of gloves and gender, designation, and
vi
education level. Changing face masks after each patient and disinfecting eyewear were significantly related with professional level and education. There was also a significant relationship between one’s years of experience and handling door handles or stationery while wearing gloves.
Conclusion: This study found that most practitioners (99.4%) had adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward PPE, although some showed inadequate knowledge and poor practices, highlighting the need for further education and awareness on PPE and hygiene practices.