Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Related to Health Care Ethics among Dental Students in Davangere City - A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background Public awareness of the ethical treatment of emergency medical crisis has been increasing and complaints against doctors seem to be getting worse. It is a matter of immediate concern that lawsuits against doctors have risen recently. Objectives To assess the knowledge attitude and practices related to healthcare ethics among dental students in Davangere city.Study Design A descriptive cross-sectional study design was performed through the convenience sample method.Methodology The pre-validated questionnaires assessing the knowledge and practice of dental students regarding healthcare ethics were distributed to about 221 dental students in Davangere city and data were collected and analyzed using frequency distribution and Chi-square test with SPSS software version 22.0. Results A total of 221 questionnaires were distributed of which 205 participants responded recording a response rate of 93.18. About 50.2 participants were final year BDS students and 49.8 were pursuing internship. 66.3 had good knowledge about the Hippocratic oath and the Nuremberg code. 45.9 of participants said that they would refer their patients to another doctor who shares the patientrsquos belief when he she refuses treatment due to certain religious beliefs.Conclusion Though majority of the participants had a fair knowledge of healthcare ethics training regarding the practice of ethics should be the focus. Maintaining a specific level of service while in practice is the dentists responsibility. All dentists should uphold a set of professional conduct norms when performing their duties.