Evaluation of the LUHS dentistry students' knowledge about anaphylactic shock and the first aid

Relevance of the problem and aim of the work: Anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous allergic reaction that requires immediat actions. Dentists perform a lot of anesthesia procedures, so they face anaphylactic shock more frequently than doctors in other medical fields. In order to avoid adverse consequences, oral care specialists must be properly aware of the symptoms and the first aid of anaphylactic reactions. For this reason, it is important to raise students' awareness about anaphylactic shock. The aim of the work: to analyze the knowledge towards anaphylactic shock and the first aid that is necessary to manage among dentistry students of LUHS. Material and the methods: LUHS dentistry students of the third, fourth and fifth year participated in anonymous survey. Participants filled out a questionnaire consisting of 33 questions. A total of 221 students were surveyed. Statistical data analysis was performed using „SPSS/w 24.0“ and MS Excel 2016 software. Results: More than half of the surveyed students (55,2%) had medium knowledge towards anaphylactic shock. 64,7% of participants answered that their knowledge was insufficient. Most of the students (94,6%) would like to receive more information about anaphylactic shock. Third-year students had the lowest level of knowledge comparatively with fourth-year and fifth-year students (statistically significant result). Fifth-year students rated their knowledge higher than students of lower year (statistically significant result). Conclusions: The level of students' knowledge about anaphylactic shock and the first aid is inadequate. It is necessary to provide students with sufficient information about this allergic reaction and to organize hands-on courses in order to improve the level of knowledge and to develop future dentists' confidence