Descriptive Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study about the Knowledge, Fear, Anxiety, and Modification in the Work Environment of Dental Practitioners during the Outbreak of COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract Context: Global pandemic COVID-19 has been rapidly spreading and affecting all aspects of one’s existence. Due to their frequent interaction with infected patients, health-care professionals, particularly dentists, are at a greater risk of contracting an infection. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, fear, anxiety, and modification in the work environment among dental practitioners during the outbreak of COVID-19. Study Settings and Design: The study was conducted in Mysuru, Karnataka and the study design is cross-sectional questionnaire study. Subjects and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted using an online survey from April 22, 2021, to September 11, 2021. A well-constructed questionnaire was developed and validated. The Google Forms with the information sheet and consent form was sent to dental practitioners of the Mysuru district. A total of 216 participants from the Mysore district responded. After a detailed assessment, duly filled questionnaires (n = 204) were included in the study. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics with necessary parametric tests such as one-way ANOVA and independent sample t-test are used. Statistical significance was kept at ≤0.05. IBM SPSS version 24.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 204 respondents, 128 participants were male and 76 were female. Comparison of mean knowledge (P = 0.002) and practice modification (P = 0.00) scores about qualifying degrees presented a statistically significant difference, but not in terms of fear and anxiety. Conclusions: The results have shown that dental practitioners had fear and anxiety about getting infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The knowledge and work modifications certainly benefited dental practitioners in their practice.