ASSESSMENT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE RISK FACTORS, INCLUDING COVID-19, AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN EAST KAZAKHSTAN REGION

Healthcare-related infections (HCRI) remain a major global concern, especially in dentistry, where exposure to saliva, blood, and aerosols increases the risk of cross-infection. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerability of dental professionals to airborne pathogens, prompting stricter protocols such as enhanced PPE and ventilation. However, challenges remain due to limited biosafety knowledge and inconsistent preventive practices.

This investigation aimed to assess the risk factors associated with infectious disease transmission, including COVID-19, among healthcare personnel during dental care in the East Kazakhstan region.

We studied following variables: socio-demographic characteristics; reason, time, circumstances and kind of trauma in the work place; documentation for recording of occupational injury; knowledge and attitudes about the measures of prevention and control transmission infection during performing of work. Pearson chi-squared was used for qualitative data. Bivariate analysis was done to determine the relationship between injured of the skin while performing professional duties and the independent variables.

The age group mostly was presented by age 41-50 years (37,9%). Middle work experience was 6-10 years (29,6%). Most of the participants have had injured of the skin while performing professional duties 82,9% men and 89,0% women. The nature of most of the injuries was getting the patient's blood on the skin (38,2%), and getting piercing the skin with a sharp tool (31,5%). The most frequent accidents in their practice occurred due to non-use barriers 48,7% of men and 33,1% of women.

Preventive measures in the work of the dentist in the study region need to improvement. The most frequent accidents in their practice occurred due to non-use barriers.