Open AccessSri Lankan dental professionals’ knowledge of the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19): a questionnaire survey
Author(s) -
Ruwan Duminda Jayasinghe,
Rasika Manori Jayasinghe,
Kalani Hettiarrachchi Lakshman,
Perera Samaranayake
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
stomatology edu journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2502-0285
pISSN - 2360-2406
DOI - 10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(1).art.1
Subject(s) - preparedness , medicine , pandemic , infection control , computer assisted web interviewing , transmission (telecommunications) , covid-19 , family medicine , disease , dentistry , infectious disease (medical specialty) , surgery , pathology , electrical engineering , marketing , political science , law , business , engineering
Background Dental practitioners are some of the most vulnerable professionals exposed to the risk of contracting the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19), by virtue of the aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). Hence, an evidence based and detailed knowledge of the disease is important in order to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 transmission. Aim To identify the perspective, knowledge, and attitudes of Sri Lankan dental surgeons on the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online web-based, self-administered questionnaire survey (Google) was conducted among Sri Lankan dental surgeons. All questions, in the pre-tested questionnaire were close-ended, and formulated to elicit data on the views, knowledge, attitudes, and infection control practices related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results One quarter of the cohort responded and the majority (44.7%) were 30-40 years old with a marginal female preponderance (52.3%). In general, females were significantly more knowledgeable than males on COVID-19, and the post-pandemic preparedness for dental practice (p<0.05). One sixth (18.2 %) incorrectly surmised that, i) pet animals were a source of infection, ii) COVID-19 is not transmitted via surface contact and iii) hand hygiene is not important in preventing infection transmission. All respondents correctly identified AGPs as a high-risk procedure for infection transmission, but approximately two thirds failed to identify specific AGPs in dentistry. Conclusion Taken together, the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Sri Lankan dental surgeons on the COVID-19 pandemic appear satisfactory, but there are knowledge gaps that need to be fulfilled through further continuous education courses.