Knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene aids and its role in the prevention of COVID-19 transmission: A hospital-based questionnaire study

Abstract

Introduction: The novel coronavirus disease has brought to the forefront the importance of oral hygiene aids and its role in the prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Objectives: The objective is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene aids and its role in COVID-19 transmission. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 385 patients visiting Vishnu dental college. The questionnaire included demographic data, history of COVID, and vaccination status. The second part included questions regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene aids and its role in COVID-19 transmission. Results: Mean age of the population was 40.11 years, and had almost equal proportions of males and females. About 22.6% of the population had suffered from COVID-19 and 92.7% of men got fully vaccinated. Knowledge of COVID-19 transmission through oral hygiene aids was found in 57.4% of the population. No difference in knowledge of occupational health advisor (OHA) and its role in COVID transmission was found between gender, COVID, and vaccination status (P > 0.05). About 22.9% of graduates had higher knowledge than others (P = 0.00). Conclusions: The use of appropriate oral hygiene aids and practices could prevent the transmission of COVID-19.