Awareness, Perception and Behavior Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 Among a Group of Egyptian Dental Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Alaa, Eman; Alaa, Mona

doi:10.21608/adjg.2020.33294.1271

Awareness, Perception and Behavior Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 Among a Group of Egyptian Dental Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Eman Alaa ¹
Mona Alaa ²

¹ Lecturer, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt,

² Infection Control Specialist, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

10.21608/adjg.2020.33294.1271

Abstract

Purpose: To estimate awareness, perception and behavior regarding COVID 19 disease among a group of Egyptian dental students. Subjects and Methods: The study population consisted of a group of Egyptian fifth year dental students of Future University in Egypt. A specially designated questionnaire was sent to students in May this year. This questionnaire composed of a sequence of questions regarding students’ demographic information, students’ awareness of disease incubation period, symptoms, transmission modes of COVID 19 pandemic disease, infection and prevention control guidelines and measures for preventing COVID 19 and treatment of disease, the participants’ perception towards COVID 19 and lastly their behavior towards COVID 19 disease. Results: The current cross sectional study consisted of 115 students; 31(27%) males and 84 (73%) females. A little percentage 38 (33.9%) of students correctly reported that incubation period of this virus is 1 to 14 days. Most of the students were greatly aware of COVID 19 symptoms, transmission modes, prevention and treatment of COVID 19 disease and they had good perception and behavior towards COVID 19 pandemic disease. Conclusions: Generally most participants had good awareness, positive perception and behavior towards protective measures against COVID 19. However; in some points they had limited comprehension towards COVID 19 disease. Educational programs aiming to improve COVID 19 awareness, perception and behavior which are useful to dental students to gain positive behavior and preserve proper practices are highly required.

Keywords

Main Subjects