Abstract
Background: The use of systemic antibiotics in complement of the periodontal debridement in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis is supported by evidence published in the literature. The appropriate use of antibiotics allow to avoid practices that may enhance microbial resistance. Aims: The objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of a population of dental practitioners in Morocco regarding antibiotics prescribing for patients with aggressive periodontitis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried among practitioners from cities of Casablanca, Rabat, Sale, Fez, Kenitra, and Temara from January to April 2016. The data collected were analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS version 13.0). Results: A total of 750 replies were received giving a response rate of 75%. Nearly 63.7% of the participants were female and 68% had <10 years' practice experience. The present study showed that dental practitioners had good knowledge regarding antibiotic use. The median score of knowledge was 3 (maximum possible score of 4). The results of attitudes and practices toward prescribing antibiotics were poor. Four hundred and twenty-two (67.5%) choose inappropriate dose of systemic metronidazole combined with amoxicillin. Gender, age, duration of practice, graduation, and continuing education in periodontology were significantly associated with the prescription of correct dose and duration of antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: This study lends support that scientific basis for prescribing antibiotics for aggressive periodontitis was not respected by the majority of the participants in this Moroccan population of dental practitioners. The attitude towards the prescription of antibiotics should therefore be modified. Also, it adds to the evidence the needed to designing periodontal national guidelines for studied dental practitioners.
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