KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND HABITS OF DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN ISLAMABAD AND RAWALAPINDI REGARDING DIFFERENT FACE MASKS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of dental practitioners relating to different face masks and N 95 respirators. Study design and setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi from April to September 2020. Methodology: Dental practitioners whether in Government or private institutes and those in private practices were included in the questionnaire. Data was collected through non-probability, convenient sampling technique. The data was obtained using a self-administered close-ended questionnaire. Frequencies were calculated. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: A total of 300 practitioners were included in this study. Among the participants, 64% were male and 36% were female. Participants had insufficient knowledge about the different properties of various face masks. Based on the results, 64% of the respondents were ready to be trained for learning details about the different face masks to be used in different clinical scenarios. Data showed unsatisfactory results as regards adequate knowledge about the properties of different face masks and respirators. Conclusion: Although the overall attitude of the dental practitioners regarding face masks was favorable, yet the level of knowledge as well as practice regarding respirators was found to be inadequate and a large percentage (85%) recognized the need for the introduction of the formal training among dental professionals for this essential personal protection standard. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, face masks, habits, respirators, N 95 mask, Dental practitioner, Practic