Knowledge and attitudes among dental students about COVID-19 and its precautionary measures: a cross-sectional study
Date
2020-12-18
Authors
Alawia, Ruwaa
Riad, Abanoub
Kateeb, Elham
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Abstract
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 (x2 = 50.45, p < 0.001) (x2 = 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.