KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS PREVENTION OF COVID-19 AMONG DENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Dr. Soundarya Vishwanathan, M.D.S., *Dr. Rachana Srinivas, M.D.S., Dr. Gautam Rao, M.D.S. and Dr. Vharsha Bhaskar

ABSTRACT

Context: The highly infectious global outbreak of the novel Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2(SARS- CoV-2) is causing concern world-wide since its emergence. Being a respiratory infection it is a threat to Dental Health Professionals (DHPs) due to the characteristics of dental settings. Therefore it is necessary to explore the knowledge, attitude and practices among dental health professionals (DHPs) in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Aims: To investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice towards prevention of COVID 19 among DHPs. Settings and Design: A web based cross-sectional survey was conducted globally among DHPs. Methods and Material: A 25-item survey instrument was developed and distributed among DHPs which required 5 minutes to complete. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analyses was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] for Windows, Version 22.0. (Released 2013. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Chi Square test was used to compare the difference in the distribution of responses to the study questionnaire (p<0.001). Results: A total of 431 DHPs responded, majority of the which agreed that following hand, respiratory hygiene and maintenance of social distancing norms helped in prevention COVID-19 transmission and agreed to be following infection control guidelines. Substantial number of DHPs those who treated patients used personal protective equipment. Conclusions: Even though the participants in the study showed satisfactory knowledge and showed positive personal protective practices there is an need for creating awareness and training regarding personal protective equipment and disinfection protocols among the DHPs through reliable means.

Keywords: COVID-19, Dental Health Professionals and Awareness of COVID-19.