Abstract
Patient safety is an important medical discipline which aims at improving quality of patient care, minimizing treatment mistakes and improving safety. Infectious diseases represent an important public health problem facing health care systems in many countries. Cross infection can occur with transmission of infectious agents between patients and health workers. The objective of the study was to determine the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of patients attended dental clinics at MGV’S KBH Dental College and Hospital, Nasik, regarding cross infection and infection control in dentistry. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1200 patients who attended the dental clinics. A standardized, confidential, anonymous, interviewing questionnaire was used. Knowledge about Dental infection was assessed by 10 MCQs. The attitude parameter was assessed through answering seven statements on a three- point Likert scale. Patient self reported practices were also evaluated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Results of the study revealed that 48.6%, 29.3% and 22.1% of the participants obtained poor, fair and satisfactory level of knowledge about infection and infection control in dentistry, respectively. Participant's educational level was significantly associated with the level of knowledge about dental infection. Patients had positive attitudes towards infection control in dentistry. Regarding self-reported practice, almost half of the participants would ask dentists about sterilization of dental instruments (45.8%), wearing face mask (24.5%) and gloves (32.3%). In conclusion, our participants had good attitudes towards infection control in dentistry. However, their knowledge and practice need improvements. Awareness should be increased about cross infection and infection control in dentistry through mass media, TV programs, camps, posters, etc. KeyWords:- Cross infection,Cross-sectional study, Knowledge, Attitudes, Self-reported practice,Awareness
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