College Kolkata Research Articles

Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude and Practice: A Comparative Study between Female Undergraduate Students of Nutrition and Non - Nutrition Curriculum of Different Colleges of Kolkata, West Bengal

Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude and Practice: A Comparative Study between Female Undergraduate Students of Nutrition and Non - Nutrition Curriculum of Different Colleges of Kolkata, West Bengal

Draupadi Weeps Again: Time to Awaken the Krishna Within.

The medical community recently endured a heartbreaking tragedy with the brutal rape and murder of a young medical student in Kolkata. The tragic event at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata is particularly distressing. While the reasons behind it may be complex-whether linked to a drug racket, a personal vendetta, or even the accused's questionable history as a womanizer and porn addict-the fact remains that justice appears elusive. There is a troubling sense that evidence has been tampered with and political influence is shielding the guilty. It's time for society to awaken. She could have been anyone's daughter. How can a woman be treated this way, especially in a country like India, where it is said, "यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः" ("where women are honored, divinity blossoms")? This incident painfully reminds us of the disrobing of Draupadi in the Mahabharata. In that moment of distress, Lord Krishna intervened to save her.

Breaking the Silence: The Urgent Need to Protect Female Resident Doctors

The brutal murder of a female pulmonary resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata has exposed the dangerous and often overlooked reality faced by female resident doctors in India. Overworked, under-protected and vulnerable to violence, these young resident doctors face extraordinary challenges in an already demanding medical profession. This article explores the systemic issues that contribute to the unsafe working conditions for female resident doctors, the prevalence of violence in healthcare settings and the urgent need for reform to protect those who dedicate their lives to the medical profession.

Training on empathy skills for elderly persons to medical undergraduates: A quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Undergraduate medical students often lack the soft skill of empathy which is considered as an important attribute for doctors. Hence, this study was conducted to improve the empathy skills among undergraduate students of a medical college in Kolkata. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Rural Health Training Centre of a medical college in Kolkata among the undergraduate medical students during community medicine posting. Students were assessed for baseline empathy by Jefferson’s Scale of Empathy (student’s version) (JSE-S). Baseline perception was taken from geriatric persons about the empathy level of medical undergraduates using Jefferson’s Scale of Patient’s Perception about Physician’s Empathy (JSPPE). Training module was prepared, validated and imparted. Post-training score was obtained using the scales for students as well as geriatric persons. Data were entered in MS Excel and analysed using STATA MP16. Results: Total of 93 students participated. Overall Mean ± SD of pre-score of JES-S was 102.03 ± 13.02, and post-score was 109.03 ± 14.57; the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). With respect to JSPPE, score difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Significant difference was present in scores between the students who prefer people-oriented specialities compared to the technology-oriented specialities (P < 0.05). Increase in mean empathy score was significantly higher among female students than their male counterparts (P = 0.01). Conclusion(s): The study shows the effectiveness of training module in increasing empathy score among medical undergraduates which is the need of the hour to establish the proper building block of doctor-patient relationship.

Pattern of occupational lung disease among industrial workers attending a medical college of Eastern India.

Occupational lung diseases (OLDs) contribute a significant proportion to the global burden of pulmonary morbidities but are grossly misdiagnosed due to the relative lack of attribution given to occupational exposures. Obstructive lung diseases are known to be associated with long-lasting disability and loss of earning capacity (LOEC) among workers in industrial setups, thus reducing nationwide productivity. In this context, the study aimed to find out the pattern of OLD and factors associated with the severity of it among patients in a tertiary care hospital. The study was a record-based secondary data analysis conducted in the Medical Records Department of a Medical College in Kolkata. A computerized database of patients attending Special Medical Board (SMB) examinations from the Department of Medical Records was utilized for data collection. A data abstraction format was constructed to collect information on pulmonary morbidity, occupational exposure, and sociodemographic and behavioral variables. Extracted data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. After a review of records, it was shown that 62.3% (66 out of 106 people) of the study subjects had an obstructive type of OLD, the most common being Jute Byssinosis. A negative correlation (Spearman's ρ = -0.136) was found between pulmonary function (FEV1/FVC) and LOEC (%) in the study subjects. In the multivariable logistic regression, exposure to organic dust was found to be significantly associated with worsened lung function {adjusted-Odd's Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) =3.11 (1.1-8.8), P value = 0.03}. OLD is an understated health issue, especially in an industrial diaspora of developing countries, like India. Healthcare facilities should utilize their resources properly for the advancement of medical surveillance in industries where organic dust is produced. Health education of the stakeholders regarding the consequences of OLDs and the benefits of preventive primary approaches will go a long way in alleviating the burden of disease.

Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning in Undergraduate Medical Course: A Mixed-Methods Study in a Medical College in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Critical thinking is considered as the essential set of skills for medical practice, particularly during emergencies. However, there is lack of conceptual clarity around it and it was not explicitly included in the undergraduate medical curriculum in India. The present study has been planned to assess the critical thinking disposition and clinical reasoning skills among medical undergraduate students in a medical college in West Bengal, India. The perceived definition and attributes of critical thinking in medical education will be explored and the contexts where application of critical thinking skills may be crucial for medical practice will be identified. The content validity index, test-retest agreement; internal consistency and construct validity of the Critical Thinking Disposition Assessment Questionnaire (CTDAQ) will be assessed through step-by-step procedure. CTDAQ and the case-based objective-type questions for the clinical reasoning skills will be applied to around 200 medical undergraduate students. Their perception and experience on critical thinking in medical education will be assessed with structured open-ended questions. In-depth interviews with medical teachers of the second and third phases of undergraduate medical curriculum will be conducted to assess their perception and experiences on critical thinking. The quantitative analysis will be conducted with MS excel and R software using the relevant packages. The qualitative data will be transcribed and translated in English, close to the participants' verbatim. The thematic analysis will be conducted with inductive coding and memoing. The study will be conducted maintaining ethical standards for epidemiological studies. The present study, one of the first a few studies in India, will help to meet the conceptual gap in understanding the attributes of critical thinking, its association with clinical reasoning and the contexts of preferred application in medical practice.

Anti Hbs Titre Level and Awareness and Safety against Hepatitis B Virus among Dental Students in a Dental College in Kolkata - A Cross Sectional Study

Anti Hbs Titre Level and Awareness and Safety against Hepatitis B Virus among Dental Students in a Dental College in Kolkata - A Cross Sectional Study

Self-efficacy of Menstrual Hygiene Management and Menstrual Absenteeism Among Students of a College in Kolkata

Background: Gender inequality, cultural taboos, poverty and lack of proper information can cause menstrual health needs to go unmet. It restricts mobility, personal choices, work participation and well-being. Nevertheless, self-efficacy in the menstrual hygiene management of college students has been relatively unexplored. Objectives: We aimed to assess the self-efficacy of menstrual hygiene management and its association with college absenteeism, demographic and academic profiles. The study also aimed to explore concerns and beliefs related to menstruation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive mixed-method study was conducted to assess the self-efficacy of the menstrual hygiene management (using a novel scale) of students from a general college in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The study also explored concerns and beliefs related to menstruation among the study subjects. The sample size was calculated to be 96. For the qualitative part, 30 willing students were purposively chosen. Results: The mean age of participants was 19.38 years (SD ± 1.23). Predominantly they belonged to nuclear families (65.6%) with a median family income of ₹12,000. Absenteeism for menstrual reasons was 12 (12.5%). There were 50 (52.1%) participants who reported facing religious restrictions. Self-efficacy had a mean score of 29.90 (standard error of mean = 0.513) and a median score of 31. The presence of religious restrictions, any restrictions and type of family were significantly associated with college absenteeism by the chi-square test ( P < .05). The logistic regression model showed a significant association with religious restriction. Conclusion: The study revealed multiple concerns of college-going students regarding menstrual hygiene despite reported high self-efficacy for menstrual hygiene management.

A cross-sectional study on smartphone use and mindfulness among undergraduate medical students of a medical college in Kolkata

Background: Nowadays, increasing use of smart phone has led to smart phone addiction. Even medical students are inadvertently using these devices for non-academic purposes. Excessive smart phone use can impact mindfulness, which, in turn, can hamper patient care. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the smart phone usage and mindfulness among Undergraduate Medical Students of a Medical College, Kolkata. Materials and Methods: An observational study and cross-sectional in design was conducted from October 01, 2022, to December 12, 2022, among 423 undergraduate medical students of a medical college in Kolkata selected by simple random sampling technique using a pre-designed pre-tested structured questionnaire (containing mindful attention awareness scale). Besides, assessment of Digital Wellbeing and Parental Control application was done. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2019 and SPSSv25. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to represent the data. Results: Over 80% participants were using their smart phones excessively and 52.5% students were unmindful. YouTube (26.9%) was the maximally used application. The participants spent 360 min/day on smart phone on an average. Being a male had a higher odd of excessive smart phone usage. Hostel residents were more mindful than others. Duration of smart phone use had a positive relation with mindfulness (Spearman’s rho 0.108, P=0.026). Conclusion: The participants spent a major portion of the day in front of smart phone screens. Smartphone use had a positive impact on mindfulness. By setting boundaries, that is, limiting daily usage in websites and apps, smart phone use can be reduced.

Perception and practice of medical research amongst future doctors in a Medical College of Kolkata: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Medical research is important for medical students, but the scope and practice in India are poor compared to Western countries. Sparse published data are available from India on the perceptions and practice of medical research among the future doctors of a Medical College. Methods: It was an observational, descriptive type of study with cross-sectional design conducted amongst future doctors (3rd Professional Part II students and Interns) of a Government Medical College in Kolkata. A pre-designed, structured questionnaire (as Google Forms) was shared amongst the participants through WhatsApp. Results: Majority of the participants (85.1%) opined that research is essential for updating knowledge in the Medical Field, while about 2/5th of them regarded teaching on research in the UG curriculum as unsatisfactory. Perceived barriers cited by the participants were lack of funding support (88.3%), lack of facilities (69.5%), lack of proper guidance (83.8%), demanding curriculum (74.7%), existing stress (58.1%) and lack of time (77.9%). Motivating factors for research as considered by the participants were inspiration from teachers (85.1%), inspiration from peers, relatives or family members (49.3%), financial gains (51.9%) and career prospects (59.1%). Only 13.0% of the participants conducted any research, and only 4.5% have published their study. Conclusions: Several perceived barriers as well as motivating factors for research cited by the future doctors. Practice on research amongst them is far from being satisfactory.

An observational study to determine relationship of serum hydrogen sulphide level in hypothyroid patients in a medical college in Kolkata

Hypothyroidism is an endocrinopathy eventuate due to destruction of thyroid cells incapacitating synthesis of thyroid hormones. HS which is a gas signaling molecule that might protect synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormone by upregulating the expression levels of thyroid hormone synthesis-related proteins and promotingting Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) activity through S-sulphydration of sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1). Depending on this fact we measured the HS level in a group of hypothyroid patient. The plasma H S level in case in our study was 33.95 ± 4.14 micromol/l with the range from 27.82 to 43.94 micromol/l. This was significantly (P< 0.001) lower than age/sex matched healthy controls which was 64.67±4.25 micromol/l, with a range from 49.81 to 80.02 micromol/l. this study also elucidated that plasma HS levels were significantly correlated with level of diagnostic parameters of hypothyroidism.

Perception and attitude of nursing students toward e-learning

Background: Information technology (IT) has undeniably eased out online teaching in days of social isolation. The sudden closure of institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic brought a halt in academics; later resumed through the inception of e-learning. Pandemics can neither be forecast nor overruled. Striding through this trying trend, it was thought prudent to determine nursing students’ attitude toward acceptance and practice of e-learning. Aims and Objectives: Striding through this trying trend, it was thought prudent to determine nursing students’ attitude toward acceptance and practice of e-learning. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 144 randomly selected nursing students of a Nursing College in Kolkata during August–October 2022. A self-administered structured questionnaire with demographic details incorporating a standard scale admeasuring attitude of students was used. Data were analyzed and validated statistically. Results: The majority used mobile set and cellular data as data-source (95 and 99%, respectively). Advantages of e-learning were screenshot of slides (96%), home-stay (94%), and reduced cost of hostel/transport (84%). Disadvantages included internet problems (83%) and inadequate bedside training (74%). Domain means for perceived usefulness, e-learning versus conventional learning, intention to adapt, ease of learning, and learning stresses were more than scale means reverberating higher acceptability. About 62.5% exhibited a favorable attitude toward e-learning. Family income, age, origin, and past experience were significantly associated with domains of e-learning; of which “Intent to get accustomed” was relevant. All domains related to e-learning found having significant positive correlation with each other indicating the strong value of e-learning among participants. Conclusion: As an alternative during the pandemic, 62.5% of prospective nurses showed a positive attitude toward e-learning. It is recommended that e-learning be made student-friendly through IT training making it a vital option for teaching-learning during catastrophic challenge.

Association Between Alcohol Dependence and Depressive Episode: Before and After Treatment of the Dependence

Background: Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a broad term for any drinking of alcohol that results in mental or physical health problems like anxiety, dependence and depression. The present study was conducted with an aim to determine the association between alcohol dependence and depressive episode before and after treatment for alcohol dependence.
 Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted among all diagnosed alcohol dependent and depressed patients aged more than 18 years, attending to Psychiatry OPD of a Medical College in Kolkata for a period of one year. After getting permission from the local ethics body, initial assessment was done on first visit of the patients to the psychiatry OPD with a semi structured questionnaire for socio-demographic profile and using AUDIT, CIWA and HAM-D 17 scale for their mental status. Further assessments were done in between day 14 to day 16, next in between day 30 to day 35 and final assessment was done after 2 months using same scales. Relationship between depression with alcohol dependence were determined by Pearson corelation test and represented in the form of table and scatter plot. Changes in mean score of different scales before and after treatment was assessed by paired t test considering confidence interval (CI) of 95% and p value ≤ 0.05 as significant.
 Result: Out of 70 patients, almost 90% of them were below the age 45 years with male preponderance (94.3%). Paired t test result showed, association of mean scores of different scales, before and after treatment of dependence was statistically significant (p=0.00). Mean AUDIT score, mean CIWA score and mean HAM score for the patients were found to be decreased with advancement of treatment. Pearson correlation test revealed, moderate relationship between AUDIT score and HAMD17 score (0.522) and strong relationship between AUDIT score and CIWA score (0.789).
 Conclusion: If alcohol dependence is treated properly there will be automatically decreased prevalence of alcohol withdrawal and alcohol induced depressive episodes.

Bishnu Prasad Rabha from an Indian Perspective: A Revolutionary and Cultural Icon of Assam

On January 31, 1909, Bishnu Prasad Rabha was born in Dhaka, which is now in Bangladesh, but was a part of pre-independence India. Gopal Chandra Rabha was Bishnu Prasad Rabha's father, and Gethi Das was his mother. During his time in college, Rabha actively participated in the Indian independence struggle. His active involvement in the fight against the British meant that, although attending several colleges, including Karmail Academic in Rongpur, Victoria College in Cooch Behar, and St. Paul's Cathedral Mission College in Kolkata, his academic education was never fully completed. In 1930, he took part in Gandhiji's Non-Cooperation Movement. Following India's independence in 1947, Rabha began to rebel against the wealthy landowners, known as Jamindars, who were abusing the common people. As a result, he became animosity with the government and had to hide from the watchful eyes. He joined the Communist Party in support of the freedom of the underprivileged and oppressed ordinary people. He carried a pen in one hand and a stein-gun in the other, both dedicated to the people's liberty. An equitable society was Bishnu Rabha's utopian vision. This research paper aims to examine Bishnu Prasad Rabha's involvement in the fight for India's independence, as well as his activism as a Communist Party member for the emancipation of the impoverished and oppressed common people. A legendary figure's life story and historiography can accurately reflect the social progress of a given era. Bishnu Prasad Rabha was a true bohemian and artist in arms who, against the backdrop of the eastern Indian subcontinent's liberation movement, emphasised a crucial role in the development of revolutionary ideas of a society. Rabha was recognised as the Assamese people's symbol, "Kalaguru.". In this paper, Bishnu Prasad Rabha a revolutionary and cultural icon from Assam is seen from an Indian perspective.

A SURVEY OF EFFECTIVENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT POST HIGHER SECONDARY LEVEL IN KOLKATA

The study focuses on the effectiveness of environmental education at post higher secondary levels in Kolkata at the present moment. The research seeks to find the extent to which the post higher secondary level students in Kolkata are acquainted with the present challenges of environmental issues, faced due to anthropogenic factors that are impacting the environment in direct and indirect manners. Environmental education and educating students on the need of protecting the environment play a vital role towards sustainability. Environmental education, provided as a compulsory course in the curriculum, at different levels of educational institutions, has been leaving an important impact on training and preparing the future generation for a greener and sustainable society. The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge, perception, attitude, relationship and environmental behaviour of post higher secondary level students who have enrolled in different specialized fields of study in colleges in Kolkata. A total of 70 students participated in this survey, conducted in colleges in Central Kolkata. To collect data for measuring students' environmental education, perception, their attitudes towards environment, and behaviour, responses in written form based on questionnaires were recorded. In this study, it was revealed that students receiving academic education at post higher secondary levels are acquainted with the environmental challenges faced in the present days and they are also acquainted with the concept of 'sustainable living'. As a result of the t-test performed, it was put forward that there was no difference in the levels of students' perception regarding the importance of environmental education. As a result of the correlation analysis, a positive relation was identified between the perception, attitude, and behaviour variables.

A study to assess students’ performance in theory and practical components of final summative pharmacology examination in Non-CBME and CBME curriculum

Background: Competency-based medical education (CBME) has transformed the MBBS curriculum and aims to emphasize the five roles of an Indian medical graduates: clinician, leader, communicator, life-long learner, and professional. Accordingly, various changes have been made in the curriculum and assessment of Phase II students in pharmacology since 2019. The scores in the theory component have changed from 110 to 200, and those in the practical component have changed from 40 to 100. Aims and Objectives: To assess performance of students in the theory and practical components of the final summative pharmacology examination under the CBME curriculum (Batch 2019–20) with the earlier non-CBME curriculum (Batch 2018–19). Materials and Methods: A record-based observational study was conducted at a medical college in Kolkata. The percentage of marks obtained by students in theory and practical components in the CBME batch and in the non-CBME batch (inter-batch comparison) were compared by using an unpaired Student’s t-test. Further scores in theory and practical components were also compared for each batch (intra-batch comparison). Results: Average marks obtained by the students of the non-CBME batch (n = 250) and CBME batch (n = 242) in the theory exam were 64.36% ± 6.14 and 63.69% ± 6.77, and in the practical exam they were 71.51% ± 8.58 and 71.04% ± 6.54, respectively. There is no statistically significant difference in the theory and practical components between non-CBME and CBME batches. The performance in the practical examination compared to the theory examination was significantly better in both the non-CBME and CBME batches (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Major changes and modifications have been made in the curriculum due to the incorporation of CBME. Over the years, more data can be generated on students’ ability to adapt to the CBME curriculum and improve their learning.

A Study On Green Products & Green Marketing From The Students' Perspective In Kolkata

As society becomes more concerned about environmental protection, numerous firms and customers have expressed their concern for the impact of products on the environment. The emphasis is on 'green' environmentally friendly items that are critical to long-term sustainable development. India is also paying increasing attention to environmentally friendly production and consumption in support of environmental concerns and sustainable growth. One of the reasons for the emergence of green marketing is environmental issues. An IBM research shows, after the pandemic, ninety three (93%) percent of customers changed their attitudes about sustainability (Sharma, 2022). Green marketing is defined by the 'American Marketing Association (AMA) - as the promotion of items that are assumed to be ecologically friendly'. Green marketing and green product creation are effective ways for businesses to obtain a competitive advantage and generate consumer satisfaction (Yan & Yazdanifard, 2014). According to Adams (2020), awareness does not always equal green product purchases (isn't the best predictor of green product sales). Hearing about the green product or brand is insufficient to make a purchase. Familiarity is a higher standard than awareness because it measures the customer's knowledge and understanding of the green product or brand. The researchers believe that green marketing require greater study when it comes to the familiarity and other affecting factors. The study is aimed at to know about students' familiarity and perceptions of green products. Other factors such as willingness to learn more about green marketing, identifying green product features, preferred mode and source of gaining knowledge about green products, consideration of paying extra money to get such products etc. Students studying in undergraduate and post graduate levels in chosen colleges in Kolkata have been considered for this study

WoW! Momo – creating a sustainable WOW in innovative QSR chain brand

Learning outcomes The various learning outcomes of the case include the following: to provide information and help the students to understand how a start-up business succeeds with the proper branding and marketing; to help understand different marketing theories related to segmentation, targeting, positioning, branding, distribution and marketing process and the frameworks of understanding start-up business marketing with a practical example; to improve analytical skills and help evaluate marketing strategies related to segmentation, targeting, positioning, branding, distribution and marketing in the Indian quick-service restaurant (QSR) business; and to encourage learners to think differently towards solution generation and strategy decisions. Case overview/Synopsis The case portrays the dilemmas related to segmentation, targeting, brand positioning, distribution and start-up business marketing in the context of an Indian QSR. The present case strives to portray the journey of WoW! Momo is a QSR brand in India and highlights the company's branding and marketing challenges. Based on the challenges faced by the company and the decision dilemma pointed out in the case, the readers can get sufficient motivation to generate probable solutions. This was early 2007; Binod Kumar Homagai and Sagar Daryani, bosom friends, were on the verge of finishing their graduate studies in commerce from St. Xavier's College Kolkata. Pursuing Chartered Accountancy or MBA was the common trend as the career option among most commerce graduates then. Still, both Homagai and Daryani thought to be innovative and different in their career options. After a series of discussions, they determined to start with their favorite dish, momos, as an alternative brand proposition that would be opening off from the City of Joy, Kolkata. They managed to arrange a seed capital of INR 30,000 in 2008 and started their venture WoW! Momo. In the financial year 2018–2019, the company's revenue had already crossed INR 1170m, achieved its presence in 11 cities in India, and reached more than 243 outlets. This case has followed the qualitative research methods where in-depth interviews of the founders and stakeholders along with the observation method were used. The case unfolds a systematic solution of dilemmas related to segmentation, targeting, brand positioning, distribution and start-up business marketing in the context of Indian QSR business. This case can also be seen as one of the youth entrepreneurial success stories of Indians. Complexity academic level This case is primarily meant for second-year students in a postgraduate program in business management. The case could also be discussed in an executive development program on marketing/brand management/business strategy. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Quality of Life and Comorbidities Among Geriatric Population Living in Urban Field Practicing Area of a Medical College in Kolkata, West Bengal

Introduction: Aging is irreversible process accompanied by an increased risk of disease, disability, decreased functional capacity, and eventually death. It affects every individual, family, community, and society. Objectives: The study was to assess the sociodemographic profile, morbidity pattern, and quality of life (QOL) among the geriatric population living in the urban field practice of a Medical College in Kolkata. Methodology: A community-based study was designed to study the morbidity pattern and QOL of elderly residing in the urban field practice of Medical College in Kolkata. As per availability and feasibility, a total of 247 geriatric people were interviewed by visiting house to house. To assess the QOL of elderly people, the World Health Organization BREF questionnaire was used for the study. It consists of physical, psychological, environmental, and social relationship domains. Results: The mean QOL score varied significantly with religion in psychological, social, and environmental health domains, with age in physical, social, and environmental health domains with the type of family in physical and psychological health domains and with marital status in the social relationship domain. Conclusion: The present study revealed that hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common morbidities among the elderly study participants, occurring more commonly in females than in males. Among the four domains, the mean QOL score was maximum in the social relationship domain.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Dental Interns, House-Staff, Post Graduates, and Faculty of Dental Colleges in Kolkata City Toward Toothbrush Maintenance and Disinfection

Background: Toothbrush is essential for removing dental biofilm and preventing dental caries and periodontal disease. Toothbrushes become contaminated after repeated use, so disinfection is necessary for tooth brush maintenance. It is critical that dentists should have a current understanding and perception of toothbrush contamination and disinfection. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among the dental interns, house staff, postgraduates, and faculty of the dental colleges in Kolkata city regarding toothbrush maintenance and disinfection. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among interns, house staff, postgraduates, and faculty of dental colleges in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The data on oral health knowledge attitude practice (KAP) were collected using a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was evaluated in the form of frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 138 participants responded to the survey. Knowledge regarding toothbrush disinfection was found to be in 84% of the participants with maximum in house staff with 75%. Majority of the participants will prefer chlorhexidine as solution of disinfecting the toothbrush. Ninety-seven percent of the participants think that the toothbrush disinfection is necessary for everybody. Conclusion: The majority of interns surveyed had no idea how to keep their toothbrushes clean. Despite being aware of the issue, some participants did not disinfect their toothbrushes. Education on how to use and maintain a toothbrush effectively would help to improve the KAP for toothbrush maintenance and disinfection.