Attitude and knowledge of dentists toward anti-cancer therapy patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32828/mdj.v22i1.1168Keywords:
attitude, cancer therapy, general practitioner dentists, knowledge, mosul, specialist dentistsAbstract
Aim of the study: to assess dentists' attitudes and knowledge regarding dental and oral care for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Method: A study was conducted among general practitioners and specialist dentists working in governmental specialist dental centers and dental clinics in hospitals in Mosul City- Iraq. A self-reporting survey was provided, comprising questions related to demographic characteristics and sections evaluating the dentists' attitudes and knowledge about cancer-treated patients. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, ANOVA test, Kruskal Wallis test and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: a total of 213 respondents. There was no significant relation between demographic characteristics on one side and attitude and knowledge on the other side. Except the mean score of dentists` knowledge was significantly influenced by work experience, P= 0.03. In summation, a positive attitude toward dealing with cancer therapy patients was 55.1%. Dentists' level of knowledge was 52.5%. The dentists with a higher knowledge score had a less positive attitude toward dealing with anti-cancer therapy patients. However, statistically, there was no significant correlation between attitude and knowledge among dentists. Conclusion: Although the dentists had a slightly higher than moderate level of knowledge, they mostly displayed a positive attitude towards the anti-cancer therapy patients. Therefore, an intervention educational program is indicated.
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