Dental students across Peru are grappling with significant gaps in knowledge about disinfection practices necessary to minimize the spread of COVID-19. A recent study published by researchers from Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista reveals alarming statistics: only 14.3% of dental students surveyed reported sufficient knowledge of disinfection protocols, even as 89.3% exhibited positive attitudes toward the necessity of these measures.
The cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between various sociodemographic factors and the students' attitudes and knowledge concerning disinfection as part of infection control efforts against COVID-19. Conducted between February and June 2022, researchers gathered responses from 503 dental students from both Lima, the country’s capital, and Ica Province.
The findings highlight not just the knowledge-deficit issue but also the disparity based on location. The study concluded those from Lima were 52% less likely to demonstrate sufficient knowledge about disinfection techniques compared to those from the provinces. The researchers point out, "Being from the capital city was found to be a limiting factor for sufficient knowledge." This suggests potential access to information or educational resources may differ significantly depending on geographic location.
Despite the evident knowledge gap, the prevailing positive attitudes among the students signal hope for improving practices among future dental professionals. "A minority of dental students had sufficient knowledge, but the majority had positive attitudes toward disinfection as a control measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19," stated the authors, emphasizing the need for enhanced educational interventions.
The study's impetus came amid extreme pressures on health systems worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Peru particularly affected. The country wrestled with high infection rates and medical resources spread thin as dental schools were forced to adapt traditional face-to-face teaching to remote learning models, impacting clinical training.
To evaluate the students' knowledge, researchers deployed a validated 13-item questionnaire probing various facets of disinfection practices. The questionnaire examined dimensions of knowledge surrounding effective methods and materials to disinfect clinical environments, as well as attitudes toward those practices.
Researchers employed Poisson regression analysis to assess variables including age, year of study, marital status, and personal experiences with COVID-19 which could potentially influence students' knowledge and attitudes toward disinfection. The results revealed significant associations with sociodemographic variables, especially highlighting how students' place of origin could yield different knowledge levels about disinfection protocols.
The continuous evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic makes it imperative for medical training institutions to address these knowledge gaps aggressively. Based on the findings, the researchers urge university authorities and academic coordinators to advance comprehensive educational programs focusing on infection control and disinfection protocols.
The study’s conclusions carry weight beyond the immediate findings. The urgency remains for dental schools to reassess and revise their curricula on clinical disinfection practices not just for the panorama of COVID-19 but as part of the broader quality of dental care. "It is recommended to design and validate a standardized instrument to effectively assess knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 and other cross-infections adapted to the Latin American contextual needs," the authors remarked, reflecting on future educational directions.
Overall, the alarming proportion of students lacking sufficient knowledge juxtaposed with their proactive attitudes toward disinfection measures create both challenges and opportunities for local dental education. Efforts must be integrated swiftly, addressing both knowledge deficiencies and reinforcing the positive outlook toward disinfecting practices as future dental professionals aim to mitigate risks present during clinical practices.