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ISSN 2063-5346
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KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE ABOUT MUCORMYCOSIS AMONG DENTISTS IN TUMAKURU DISTRICT, KARNATAKA - A QUESTIONNAIRE BASED SURVEY

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Dr.A.Thirumagal Anuraaga1 , Dr. Sharmila.D2 , Dr. V. Rajashekar Reddy3*, Dr. Nagalakshmi Chowdhary4 , Dr .Subhathira Rajashekaran5 , Dr. Nikhitha Elsa Shaji6
» doi: 10.48047/ecb/2023.12.si5a.0447

Abstract

Background: Mucormycosis is highly fatal opportunistic fungal disease, caused by a group of filamentous molds belong to order Mucorales and class Zygomycetes, which primarily affects diabetic and immunocompromised individuals. It has lately been observed to impact numerous COVID-19-affected patients in India. Many Indian states and union territories have proclaimed it as epidemic due to its unusual emergence, which has negatively impacted the already weakened health system of the nation. Aim: To assess the knowledge, awareness and attitude about mucormycosis among dentists in Tumakuru district, Karnataka. Methodology: This self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and attitude about mucormycosis among dentists in Tumakuru district, Karnataka over a period of two months (January – February 2022). It comprised of 14 questions and was circulated through both online and offline among post graduate (MDS) students, MDS faculty members working as academicians in dental colleges of Tumakuru region and private practitioners in the same region. Results: A total of 120 dentists, ranging in age from 21 to 45 years, with a mean age of 25.89 years were participated in this research. Among them, 64 (53.3%) were MDS, whereas 56 (46.7%) were BDS. The overall mean knowledge and awareness score of participants were 74.15% & 83.52%. Conclusion: The improvement of dentists’ understanding and views of mucormycosis, a new public health issue, is essential. Early identification, reversal of risk factors, and underlying illness are necessary for the usual care of mucormycosis. When this disease manifests in a patient with risk factors, the doctor must have a high index of suspicion to diagnose it in any of its forms. It emphasises the need of the interprofessional team in diagnosing and treating people with this illness.

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