A study to assess the awareness, perception, and myths regarding H1N1 virus among the dentists

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the awareness, perception, and myths regarding H1N1 virus among the dentists. The present study was a descriptive, cross-sectional, closed ended, self-administered, and anonymous questionnaire-based study. The survey questions were developed with information collected from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, and by literature review. To evaluate each subject’s level of knowledge, a score system was used. Responses from participants were coded, with a “1” denoting a right response and a “2” denoting each wrong answer. On assessing the awareness about H1N1 amongst the dentists of North India, it was found that 99.5% (n = 398) dentists were well aware of the infection. About 93.75% (n = 375) dentists knew about the symptoms of H1N1. On assessing the knowledge about treatment modalities, 218 (54.5%) dentists said that investigation facilities for H1N1 were available in their city. Knowledge regarding the mode of spread, vaccination and treatment measures about H1N1 influenza should be made available at masses, is necessary to enable everyone – not just dentists – to guard against future pandemics caused by the same virus or by another influenza species.