KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS REGARDING ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS FOR INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS

Abstract

<p>ABSTRACT<br />Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and awareness regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis (IE) among undergraduate dental<br />students.<br />Methods: A validated questionnaire of 16 questions, regarding the basic knowledge and awareness about antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention<br />of IE, was distributed among 100 students randomly belonging to final year and internship (5<br /> year trainee) of the undergraduate dental program in<br />Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha University, Chennai. The data extracted were tabulated, statistically analyzed, and results obtained.<br />Results were calculated on the basis of frequency and percentages using SPSS Version 20.0.<br />th<br />Results: About 73% of the students were aware of IE prophylaxis, and 40% of dental students were exposed to treating patients susceptible to IE.<br />56% of participants answered that amoxicillin is the first line of antibiotic for IE prophylaxis and 59% replied 2 g PO 1 hr before the appointment is<br />the recommended regimen. 36% said that erythromycin is no longer recommended by American Heart Association for IE prophylaxis. However, only<br />one-third of the participants knew about the cardiac conditions and dental procedures that require antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of IE.<br />Furthermore, only 16% knew about the recommended dosage of clindamycin.<br />Conclusion: This study revealed a reasonable knowledge and awareness about IE prophylaxis among undergraduate dental students but was<br />inadequate. Hence, this study emphasizes the need for improved education in the teaching curriculum for dental students regarding IE prophylaxis.<br />A standard protocol regarding the training as well as preventive measures for IE should be formulated for the dental students and the knowledge<br />acquired must be transferred into practice.<br />Keywords: Infective endocarditis, Prophylaxis, Antibiotics, Dental students, Knowledge.</p>