Hubungan Tingkat Pengetahuan dan Sikap dengan Kepatuhan Penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri pada Dokter Gigi Praktik Mandiri di Kota Medan

Abstract

Dentists are a group that is vulnerable to the transmission of infections because they frequently come into contact with saliva and blood. Infection prevention and control can be carried out through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to control and prevent infections as well as to ensure occupational safety for healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment among practicing dentists in Medan City. This study was an analytical survey. The sample consisted of 100 independent practicing dentists in Medan City, selected using accidental sampling techniques. Data on knowledge and attitudes were collected using questionnaires, while compliance with the use of personal protective equipment was assessed through observation. Data analysis was conducted using the Pearson chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. The results showed that the majority of dentists had good knowledge (77%), positive attitudes (97%), and were compliant with the use of personal protective equipment (63%). Among dentists with good knowledge, 29.9% were not compliant with the use of personal protective equipment, and among those with positive attitudes, 35.1% were not compliant with the use of personal protective equipment. The results also indicated that there was a relationship between knowledge and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (p = 0.026) and a relationship between attitudes and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (p = 0.048). In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment among independent practicing dentists in Medan City.