Prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis-B in the Out Patient Department of a Private Dental College Hospital Chennai, India

Abstract

Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome caused by the Human Immunodeficiency virus is greatly prevalent
in the Indian subcontinent. Hepatitis-B is another condition that is affecting the population. Healthcare
professionals are at an increased risk of being exposed to such pathogenic infections. Having adequate
knowledge towards the infection and appropriate preventive equipment such as vaccinations, masks, gloves
is crucial in preventing spread of infection. The current study assessed the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis-B
conditions among the out patients visiting Saveetha Dental College. The study was performed in the out
patient department of Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India. Data required for the study was procured
by reviewing patient records and analysed data of 86000 patients between June 2019 to March 2020. The
data was sorted in excel and statistically analysed using the IBM SPSS software analysis and the results
tabulated. A prevalence rate of 3.2% was observed with regard to hepatitis-B in this study. The study showed
female predilection with the mean age of this study being 41yrs. Prevalence of HIV was not observed in this
study.Healthcare professionals are at high stake of infection due to occupational exposure. Proper clinical
examination, history of the patient, preventive gear, vaccination and sterility protocols must be ensured to
minimize the spread of infection.