Open AccessAwareness, perceptions and dental services utilization by patients a tertiary care centre during COVID-19 pandemic
Author(s) -
Upendra Singh Bhadauria,
Bharathi Purohit,
Harsh Priya,
Ritu Duggal
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
przegląd epidemiologiczny
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.158
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 2545-1898
pISSN - 0033-2100
DOI - 10.32394/pe.74.54
Subject(s) - pandemic , tertiary care , medicine , covid-19 , dental care , phone , anxiety , infection control , hygiene , dental hygiene , family medicine , medical emergency , psychiatry , intensive care medicine , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , linguistics , philosophy , pathology
BACKGROUND. COVID -19 pandemic has imposed multiple questions and consideration in the minds of the patients and dental professionals. The understanding of patient’s perceptions and dental services utilization can aid in modifying the pre-existing dental practices. The aim of the present study was to assess the awareness, perceptions and dental services utilization by patients visiting a tertiary care centre during COVID-19.METHODOLOGY. A cross-sectional study on 437 patients was carried using a validated questionnaire consisting of 22 questions on three domains. Strict sterilization protocol and infection control measures were practiced to avoid any contact between the investigator and the patient.RESULTS. Patients were aware of COVID -19 pandemic and were willing (76.7%) to inculcate preventive practices even post-pandemic. Concerns regarding the spread of infection (37.3%) and hygiene/cleanliness (28.6%) were most commonly reported. Patients visited the dental centre primarily for emergency management and preferred their queries being solved on the phone.CONCLUSION. Patients had a positive outlook towards visiting the dental centre for treatment in the near future and did not report any anxiety before visiting a dental centre.