- COMMUNITY DENTISTRY
Knowledge and attitudes towards Covid-19 vaccine among indian dentists
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2020.8(4).art.2
Abstract
Background Dental care workers are considered a susceptible group for Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-CoV-2). Although efficacious vaccines are now available for the prevention of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), their knowledge and attitude towards these vaccines are not clear.
Aim To assess the knowledge, perception, and attitudes of Indian dental professionals towards COVID-19 vaccines.
Methods An anonymous web-based survey of Indian dental practitioners and clinical dental students was conducted using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire, to elicit data on the COVID-19 vaccine uptake, attitudes to the vaccine, and the general knowledge related to vaccination.
Results A total of 350 dental practitioners and clinical dental students/undergraduates participated in the study. The vast majority (90%) of the respondents’ perceived that they have adequate knowledge of the vaccine. There is a statistically significant association in the probability of uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine related to the level of knowledge on COVID-19 vaccine perceived by the dental practitioners in India.
Conclusions In general, the knowledge, perception and attitudes of Indian dental professionals on COVID-19 vaccines appear satisfactory, but there dental students appear to be hesitant in taking the vaccine. Data on the efficacy and the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines should be continuously promoted by the dental professional bodies to protect their fraternity.
Keywords
Community Dentistry; COVID-19; Dental Students; Indian Dentists; Knowledge.