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Dentists’ intentions to manage drug users: Role of theory of planned behaviour and continuing education
Author(s) -
El Tantawi Maha,
AlJameel AlBandary H.,
Fita Sarah,
AlSahan Basma,
Alsuwaiyan Fatimah,
El Meligy Omar
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
european journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.583
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1600-0579
pISSN - 1396-5883
DOI - 10.1111/eje.12438
Subject(s) - theory of planned behavior , perception , psychology , control (management) , perceived control , cross sectional study , medicine , social psychology , management , neuroscience , economics , pathology
Abstract Objectives To assess dentists’ intention to manage drug users (DUs) and to evaluate the role of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and continuing education (CE) in explaining this intention. Materials and Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2017, including dentists from three major Saudi cities. A questionnaire assessed personal and professional background and components of TPB: attitude, perceived social norms, perceived control and intention to manage DUs. Respondents expressed their agreement on a scale from 1 (disagree) to 7 (agree). Receiving CE to manage DUs was also assessed. Adjusted linear regression was used to assess the impact of the TPB constructs and receiving CE on dentists’ intention. Results Response rate = 72% (255/354), mean (SD) age = 35.2 (11.9). The mean (SD) for positive intention to manage DUs = 5.34 (1.37), negative attitude = 4.03 (1.10), positively perceived norms = 5.78 (1.06) and perception of no control = 4.45 (1.08). Only 9% received CE to manage DUs. Positive intention was associated with perception of positive norms ( B = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59, 0.87) and perception of no control ( B = −0.47, 95% CI = −0.63, −0.32) but not with receiving CE ( P = 0.58). Conclusion In major Saudi cities, dentists’ intention to manage DUs was positive and was explained by TPB components: perception of norms and perception of control. Modified and targeted CE is needed to address this problem.