Patients Perceived Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Dental Abscess Management in Periurban District, Ghana.

Seeking conventional oral health care for various dental conditions is still a challenge for many worldwide and poses a global public health challenge. It is not until the individual starts experiencing pain and disfigurement of the facial profile that they seek dental care after many self-care interventions have failed. This study sought to determine perceived knowledge, attitude, practice, and satisfaction of dental abscess management among dental abscess patients (DAPs). The research used a cross-sectional design to collect data from patients who visited the Dental Department of Effiduase Government Hospital with dental abscess from 6 May 2020-27 August 2020. A total sample size of 82 was selected from a population of 377. About 76 DAPs who met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate were interviewed. About 57% of respondents believed that dental caries caused their abscess. However, 46% sought medical treatment between 0 and 2 weeks after the onset of their dental abscess, while the rest did that after 3 weeks. Close to 64.5% have ever had episode of abscess before current one which they managed with alternative treatment. About 95% of respondents saw the hospital as a good place for dental care. A significant association was established between patient's level of education and influence to seek orthodox treatment (p = 0.015, Fisher's exact test (FET)). Another significant association was established between patient's level of education and the kind of alternative treatment they used (p = 0.016, Fisher's exact test (FET)). Most DAPs believe that dental caries was the main cause of dental abscess. DAPs sought late medical care, after they have tried a failed alternative treatment. DAPs expressed satisfaction with reception, equipment and materials, and medicines used. Majority of the patients rated the cost of dental care in the facility as affordable. Copyright © 2022 Kingsley Adeoye Damilare et al.

Citation

Kingsley Adeoye Damilare, David Abass, David Antwi-Agyei, Frederick Osei-Owusu, Ebenezer Ahenkan, Kwame Adu Okyere Boadu, Richard Okyere Boadu. Patients Perceived Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Dental Abscess Management in Periurban District, Ghana. BioMed research international. 2022;2022:2266347

Mesh Tags

PMID: 35769666

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