Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Parents in Pediatric Dentistry Regarding Cross Infection Control in COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross Sectional Research

OpenAlex İngilizce

Objective: Cross infection control has always been of primary importance in dentistry. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of a group of parents in Türkiye regarding cross infection control in pediatric dentistry during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) period. Material and Methods: A total of 257 parents attended in this cross sectional study. The questions include demographic information, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about COVID-19. Likert's 3 point Likert scale was used for answers given to questions (excluding demographic data). One way analysis of variance and Pearson correlations were used as statistical methods. p<0.05 was statistically significant. Results: One hundred thirty nine participants (54.1%) don't know that the common route of COVID-19 transmission in dentistry is through aerosol generated during dental procedures. No statistically significant difference was observed between knowledge, attitude and practice scores and sociodemographic data (p>0.05). The highest average score is observed in parents' attitudes (5.21±1.75), while the lowest average score is observed in practice scores (1.48±3.22). A correlation was found between knowledge, attitude and practice scores. Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that parents answered most of the questions correctly, which measured their knowledge and attitude on cross infection and control measures in dentistry, and their practice was at an acceptable level. However, it is important that parents are informed about the aerosol that occurs during dental practice and the potential risk of spreading COVID-19.