Publication details
Knowledge and attitudes among dental students about COVID-19 and its precautionary measures: a cross-sectional study
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2021 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://www.jomos.org/articles/mbcb/full_html/2021/01/mbcb200150/mbcb200150.html |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/mbcb/2020056 |
| Keywords | COVID-19; students; dental risk; perception |
| Description | Objective: This study aims to evaluate students' knowledge and attitudes about COVID-19 and its precautionary measures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students in their clinical practice years in two Palestinian universities. An online questionnaire was sent out using students' in mid-May, 2020. The questionnaire assessed students self-reported knowledge about the COVID-19, and students' attitudes towards providing clinical care during the pandemic. Results: A total of 305 dental students completed the questionnaire. Fifty-nine percent (n?=?180) reported having updated training on infection control measures in dental settings and 29% (n?=?89) reported having attended a training course regarding COVID-19. Eighty-two percent of students (n?=?250) preferred to avoid working with suspected COVID-19 patients. Almost 89% (n?=?269) admitted fear of transmitting the virus to their families. This fear was related to their perception that using regular standard precautions is unsafe in dealing with COVID-19 patients and their perception of their schools' preparedness to update infection prevention measures (?2?=?50.45, p < 0.001) (?2?=?9.77, p?=?0.021). Conclusion: Students in this sample are aware of COVID-19 and its precautionary measures. Adherence to new, stricter infection control protocols and periodic orientation of students to these protocols are ways to guarantee a safer environment for both patients and students. |