Mother’s knowledge, attitude and fear about dental visit during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Mothers have high anxiety about the health of their child during the  pandemic. They feel that visiting dental clinics will be more risky as it has the possibility of getting affected by viruses. The aim of the study was to assess the mother’s knowledge,  attitude and fear about dental visits during the pandemic.

Materials and methods

The survey was taken from mothers of children visiting pediatric dental outpatients in a private dental college. A pre-validated questionnaire was prepared containing 14 questions in both English and vernacular language (Tamil) was distributed directly to them. The results were analysed statistically through SPSS software version 23.0. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were performed

Results

In the present study 31.15% of mothers have the fear of waiting in the waiting room while their child is being treated. About 85.25% of mothers have the fear of spreading the virus from someone in the clinic. About  83.61% of mothers have had anxiety since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic. About  59.02% of mothers had extreme fear during their visit to the dental clinic.

Conclusion:

Most mothers have the fear of contracting the virus on their way, from an infected surface or from someone in the clinic.  The aim of this research is to know about the mothers knowledge, attitude and fear about dental visits during Covid- 19 pandemic.