Perceptions and beliefs related to covid 19 among patients visiting a dental hospital in Bangalore

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is an emergent respiratory infection caused by the most recently discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The control of communicable diseases depends mainly on the local population’s knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs. The strict observance of precautionary measures to avoid spreading this disease to the masses is key to controlling it. Therefore the present study aims to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs towards Covid 19 among the patients visiting a dental hospital in Bangalore. Methods: A pretested closed-ended questionnaire was administered by interview method to 155 participants visiting the outpatient department of a dental college. The first section included demographic data. The second section consisted of 9 questions which assessed patient’s knowledge toward Covid -19 and 5 questions which assessed patients beliefs and perceptions towards Covid 19. Results: A weak Positive correlation (0.30) was seen between educational qualification and knowledge levels which indicated that knowledge levels increased with education and this result was statistically significant with a p-value of