.

ISSN 2063-5346
For urgent queries please contact : +918130348310

A STUDY OF ORAL HEALTH IN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS DURING CURRENT PANDEMIC OF COVID 19 IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE- A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Main Article Content

Dr. Swati Jitendra Rathod, Dr. Jitendra Kerba Rathod
» doi: 10.53555/ecb/2022.11.11.119

Abstract

COVID -19 is highly infected and transmitted through droplets. Health care workers (HCW) are at high risk due to close contact with the infected patients and hence taking extra precaution by wearing mask and PPE kit is mandatory. We conducted this study to check that wearing a mask for more time can affect the oral cavity or not. Methods: This is a cross sectional observational study. A questionnaire based online survey was conducted consisting of 16 questions. The questionnaire was prepared on google form and sent to health care workers working in the tertiary health care centre. The responses were collected through personal E-mail. Results: 403 health care workers were participated in this survey. Out of which 254 were male and 149 were females, between the age groups of 25 to 65years. The HCW were categorized into three groups - 44% doctors, 31% residents and 25% paramedical staff. Among the 403 HCW, 59.8% were using N95 mask, 15.9% Respirator, 12.9% three ply mask and 11.6% cotton mask. 85.4% HCW were using the mask for more than 6 hours and only 14.6% were using mask for less than 6 hours. 67.5% HCW have noticed dryness of mouth, 57.55% bad breath (Halitosis) 15% bleeding gums and 13% ulcers. The experience of dryness of mouth and bad breath is when compared to the time of wearing mask, a significant positive correlation was found (chi square value 19.88, P<0.0001and 11.34, P<0.0001 respectively). Conclusion: HCW in survey group had noticed dryness of mouth, halitosis in majority followed by bleeding gums and ulcers.

Article Details