Volume 49, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Research in Medicine 2025, 49(2): 0-0 |
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Ethics code: 1402.056.IR.ZUMS.REC
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Saleki F, Hosseini Sani A, Vaezjalali M. Investigation of the Frequency of SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Related Factors among Dentists in Zanjan from March 2020 to February 2023. Research in Medicine 2025; 49 (2)
URL: http://pejouhesh.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-3481-en.html
URL: http://pejouhesh.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-3481-en.html
Shahid Beheshti University of medical sciences , Maryam.Vaezjalali@sbmu.ac.ir
Abstract: (15 Views)
Abstract
Background and aim:
Dentists, due to direct contact with saliva, blood, and contaminated aerosols, are at high risk of contracting respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agent of COVID-19). Because of the possibility of re-emergence or the appearance of a new disease, and especially the importance of reinfection and related factors, as well as the lack of information in this field, this study was conducted among dentists in Zanjan from March 2020 to February 2023.
Materials and Methods:
The questionnaire designed for this cross-sectional study was completed in person over a period of 7 months by 160 dentists who met the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using Eta statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation test, and Kendall’s τb test. The validity of the study was determined based on previous studies and consultations with dental specialists, particularly infectious disease experts, and its reliability was assessed using the test-retest method with a 10-day interval. The related factors were determined according to the background and experiences of relevant faculty members and were presented with descriptive statistics.
Results:
Out of 160 participants, 117 (73.12%) had been infected with COVID-19 at least once. Receiving the first to third doses of different vaccines had a moderate correlation (η² = 0.07–0.09) with non-infection with COVID-19. There was an inverse and significant correlation between infection frequency and adherence to preventive measures, including triage (p < 0.001, r = -0.40), health protocols (p < 0.001, r = -0.372), prophylactic mouthwash (p < 0.001, r = -0.307), protective equipment (p < 0.001), and disinfection (p = 0.004, r = -0.10), respectively.
Conclusion:
Vaccination and the implementation of preventive measures, including triage, disinfection, adherence to health protocols, the use of prophylactic mouthwashes and the use of protective equipment have significantly reduced the incidence of COVID-19 infections. It is recommended that this study be conducted on a broader community level and under different climatic and geographical conditions.
Background and aim:
Dentists, due to direct contact with saliva, blood, and contaminated aerosols, are at high risk of contracting respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agent of COVID-19). Because of the possibility of re-emergence or the appearance of a new disease, and especially the importance of reinfection and related factors, as well as the lack of information in this field, this study was conducted among dentists in Zanjan from March 2020 to February 2023.
Materials and Methods:
The questionnaire designed for this cross-sectional study was completed in person over a period of 7 months by 160 dentists who met the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using Eta statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation test, and Kendall’s τb test. The validity of the study was determined based on previous studies and consultations with dental specialists, particularly infectious disease experts, and its reliability was assessed using the test-retest method with a 10-day interval. The related factors were determined according to the background and experiences of relevant faculty members and were presented with descriptive statistics.
Results:
Out of 160 participants, 117 (73.12%) had been infected with COVID-19 at least once. Receiving the first to third doses of different vaccines had a moderate correlation (η² = 0.07–0.09) with non-infection with COVID-19. There was an inverse and significant correlation between infection frequency and adherence to preventive measures, including triage (p < 0.001, r = -0.40), health protocols (p < 0.001, r = -0.372), prophylactic mouthwash (p < 0.001, r = -0.307), protective equipment (p < 0.001), and disinfection (p = 0.004, r = -0.10), respectively.
Conclusion:
Vaccination and the implementation of preventive measures, including triage, disinfection, adherence to health protocols, the use of prophylactic mouthwashes and the use of protective equipment have significantly reduced the incidence of COVID-19 infections. It is recommended that this study be conducted on a broader community level and under different climatic and geographical conditions.
Keywords: COVID-19, Dentists, COVID-19 vaccines, Outbreak, Prevention, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Patient triage, Prophylactic mouthwash, Surface disinfection
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Infectious diseases
Received: 2025/07/21 | Accepted: 2025/10/18 | Published: 2025/12/13
Received: 2025/07/21 | Accepted: 2025/10/18 | Published: 2025/12/13
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