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

• Published in: BioMed research international 2022-06, Vol.2022, p.1-8
• Main Authors: Damilare, Kingsley Adeoye, Abass, David, Antwi-Agyei, David, Osei-Owusu, Frederick, Ahenkan, Ebenezer, Boadu, Kwame Adu Okyere, Boadu, Richard Okyere
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abscess; Abscesses; Activities of daily living; Attitudes; Care and treatment; Dental care; Dental caries; Education; Global health; Health attitudes; Health care; Health literacy; Health services; Hospitals; Infections; Knowledge; Medical treatment; Minority & ethnic groups; Older people; Oral hygiene; Outpatients; Pain; Patients; Patronage; Population; Psychological aspects; Public health; Questionnaires; Surveys; Tooth diseases
• ISSN: 2314-6133; 2314-6141
• DOI: 10.1155/2022/2266347

Background. 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). Methods. 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. Results. 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)). Conclusions. 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.