Dentists' knowledge, attitudes and practices toward patients with epilepsy in Hyderabad city, India

Abstract

AimThe present study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices about epilepsy among a group of dentists in Hyderabad city, India. Materials and methodsAll dentists registered with the local Dental Association branch were eligible to participate in this questionnaire study. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics were used. Multiple group analysis was done using Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann Whitney U Test was used for two-group comparison. The variables were taken as significant at a p value of 0.05. ResultsA total of 217 respondents with mean age of 33.16±10.4years participated in the study. Most respondents possessed a post-graduate (Master of Dental Surgery — MDS) degree (59.4%). A convulsion or shaking was identified as the most familiar recognizable symptom of epilepsy. 84.3% of the dentists would not object to their children having association with patients with epilepsy, and 61.3% would not object to their relative marrying a person with a history of epilepsy. A large number of dentists (178; 82%) were confident to treat a person with epilepsy. 95.3% assumed that they have an ethical responsibility to treat this population. None of the practice-related questions showed any significant difference with respect to different age groups, gender or the education levels (BDS/MDS). ConclusionOur study reflects that this group of Indian dentists has a fairly high knowledge and positive attitudes toward patients with epilepsy. This encouraging approach and confidence among dentists may positively influence patients with epilepsy to seek dental care.