Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Mental Healthcare Needs of Turkish Dentistry Students Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic

JOURNAL TITLE: International Journal of Experimental Dental Science

Author
1. Zeynep C Yilmaz
2. Nurcan Altas
ISSN
2278-1692
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10029-1210
Volume
9
Issue
2
Publishing Year
2020
Pages
7
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Periodontology, Istanbul Medipol University, Esenler, İstanbul, Turkey
    1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Istanbul Medipol University, Esenler, İstanbul, Turkey
  • Article keywords

    Abstract

    Aim and objective: An outbreak can only be prevented if people have adequate knowledge regarding the disease, are aware of the possible risks, and alter their attitudes and behaviors accordingly. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes regarding coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), as well as the concerns and perceived mental healthcare needs, among dentistry students. Materials and methods: A questionnaire was completed by 4th- and 5th-year dental students. Part 1 included items regarding the students’ characteristics and concerns. Parts 2, 3, and 4 contained items regarding the students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived mental healthcare needs about COVID-19. Results: This study included 224 students. They indicated a moderate knowledge level (7.35 ± 1.26), positive attitude score (42.98 ± 2.96), and high perceived mental healthcare needs (3.31 ± 0.97). Most students were aware of the source (89.7%), transmission route (99.1%), and incubation period (98.21%). Further, 4th-year students were significantly more worried than 5th-year students that the pandemic would affect their medical skills. Conclusion: Our findings revealed deficiencies in knowledge regarding COVID-19 among dentistry students. Therefore, there is a need to increase knowledge about COVID-19 among studies. Moreover, universities and governments should search for new channels for students’ concerns and mental healthcare needs. Clinical significance: There is a need to increase knowledge about COVID-19 among studies through several means, including lessons, and universities and governments should search for new channels for students’ concerns and mental healthcare needs.

    © 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved