Knowledge, attitude, and practice of Indian Endodontic postgraduate students regarding the COVID – 19 pandemic and its consequences: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Indian endodontic postgraduate students regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was designed and circulated amongst the endodontic postgraduate students at various colleges in India by convenience sampling and snowball sampling. A total of 540 voluntary responses were recorded. The survey consisted of 15 questions about their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze the demographic details, mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice among the participants. Chi-square tests were performed to assess the association between the demographic variables and the questions. Pearson's correlation test was performed to study the association. Results: Indian endodontic postgraduate students have adequate knowledge (64.7%), attitude (80%), and practice scores (85%). Good knowledge and attitude scores were associated with the place (P = 0.0004) and year of studying (P < 0.0001). Good practice was associated with gender (P < 0.0001) and year of study (P < 0.0001). Positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.92, P < 0.0001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.76, < 0.0001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.70, < 0.0001). Conclusion: The Indian endodontic postgraduate students who participated in the study showed adequate knowledge, attitude, and practice with few lacunae. Decision-making regarding the treatments to be performed and fear of hindered academic and clinical skills need to be addressed.