Knowledge and Attitude towards Dental Unit Waterline System Decontamination among Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Students in Universiti Sains Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47836//mjmhs18.4.8
- Author:
Liyana Mohd Azhar
1
;
Munirah Mohd Adnan
1
;
Normastura Abd. Rahman
1
Author Information
1. Dental Public Health Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Knowledge, Attitude, Infection control, Decontamination, Dental student
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.4):50-61
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Dental unit waterline system (DUWLS) decontamination is an important infection control in dental
practice. This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitude towards DUWLS decontamination and its associated
factors among undergraduate and postgraduate dental students in Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire administered online using Google Forms to assess the
knowledge and attitude of dental students towards DUWLS decontamination. Descriptive and inferential statistics
using independent t-test, Pearson, and Spearman correlation were carried out using SPSS version 24.0. Results: A
total of 169 dental students participated in the study, and the majority were female (71.6%) and Malay (59.2%). The
mean (SD) age was 23.2 (0.93) and 34.4 (2.65), for the undergraduates and postgraduates, respectively. The mean
(SD) knowledge scores for the undergraduates and postgraduates were 11.6 (4.23) and 18.0 (2.82), respectively,
whereas the mean attitude scores were 51.3 (7.86) and 54.6 (4.74), respectively. The postgraduates had significantly
higher mean knowledge and attitude scores than the undergraduates (p<0.001). The significant factors associated
with the undergraduates’ knowledge were received information and guidance and their personal experience in
managing DUWLS (p<0.05). However, only received information on DUWLS was significantly associated with the
postgraduate’s knowledge score (p=0.011). Age factor had a significant association with the attitude score among the
postgraduates (p=0.014). Conclusion: The knowledge regarding DUWLS decontamination was relatively moderate
in both groups. However, both groups showed a favourable attitude towards DUWLS decontamination. Significantly
higher knowledge and attitude scores were presented among the postgraduates than the undergraduates.
- Full text:11.2022my1296.pdf
