COVID-19 prevalence, vaccination uptake and infection prevention and control among dentists and dental students in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To determine prevalence of COVID-19, vaccination uptake and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices among dentists  and dental students in Nairobi, Kenya.

Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study

Setting: Dental practices and the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Participants: Dentists and dental students

Main outcome measures: Descriptive summaries of COVID-19 prevalence, vaccination uptake and IPC practices. For hypothesis testing,  χ2 test and odds ratio was used to determine differences in COVID-19 prevalence among dentists and dental students (α=0.05).

Results:  The response rate was 144 out of 168 (85.7%), 69 from dentists and 75 from dental students. Age range of dentists was 20–74yrs with  more females 43 (62.3%) than males 26 (37.7%). Age range of dental students was 19–32yrs, and again, more females 39 (52%) than  males 36 (48%) responded. PCR COVID-19 tests were positive for 14 (20.3%) dentists and 5 (6.7%) dental students. Participants who had obtained at least one vaccine dose were 66 (95.7%) dentists and 59 (78.7%) dental students. PPEs and other recommended IPC measures  were routinely employed while attending to patients. As compared to dental students, odds ratio of a positive COVID-19 test among  dentists in Nairobi was 3.56 (OR=3.56, χ2=5.823, df=1, p=0.0158).

Conclusion: Prevalence of COVID-19 among dentists and dental students  in Nairobi was high despite observing IPC guidelines including a high COVID-19 vaccination uptake. A broader study is  recommended for a definitive representation of oral healthcare workers in Kenya.