ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-2019 COVID-19) pandemic has been sweeping around the globe and the cases have been reported in India since the second week of March, with Chennai being one of the most affected cities. Healthcare professionals, particularly the dental personnel have a higher risk of infection due to close face-to-face contact and the risk of inhalation of aerosolised particles. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about COVID-19 among interns, post-graduate trainees and dental practitioners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using Google forms among three groups: interns, post-graduate trainees and dental practitioners. Data obtained was analysed by Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc test using SPSS IBM software. RESULTS: Of total score of 9 for knowledge-based questions, the score obtained by interns, post-graduate trainees and practitioners were 7.2, 7.2 and 7.5, respectively, with no statistically significant difference among the groups (P = 0.24). Of total score of 4 for attitude-based questions, the score obtained by interns, post-graduate trainees and practitioners were 1.6, 2.0, and 1.9, respectively, with statistically significant difference among the groups (0.009). Of total score of 7 for practice-based questions, the score obtained by interns, post-graduate trainees and practitioners were 3.2, 3.3, and 3.1, respectively, with no statistically significant difference among them (P = 0.63). CONCLUSION: Though the knowledge about COVID-19 appeared adequate, the attitude and practice component needs improvement. Continuing dental education programs and webinars can be conducted to update the dental professionals about the protocols to be followed during COVID-19 pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Dentists , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , India/epidemiology , Pandemics/prevention & control , Professional Role , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Introduction: The chances of dental professionals acquiring infection from HIV infected patient is very low yet significant. Hence most of the dental practitioners often hesitate to treat such cases reflecting their attitude and behavior on understanding about the pathogenesis and various aspects of the disease. Aim: The present study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude towards HIV patients among dental students. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaire, through Google forms using various social media platforms among 206 dental students from second year to interns across dental colleges in Tamil Nadu, India during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. Statistics was done and results were tabulated. Results: In the present study it was observed that 77.7% students were aware of standard protocols to be taken for treating HIV patients and 71.8% were aware of various detection and management techniques. The overall knowledge and attitude towards HIV patients among dental students was 86% (highest) for interns group, 79% for final years, 75% for third years and 67% for second years (low score) respectively. Conclusion: The present study shows that there was adequate knowledge among the dental students regarding the oral manifestations and dental treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS however lack of attitude towards disease transmission was observed. Efforts have to be taken to improve the modes of educating the students about the HIV infection and its dental effects.