Practices and knowledge of dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding prescription of analgesics and antibiotics, Cross-sectional study
Author(s): Roaa Merwass*, Bushra Almotairi, Mohammed Alasmari, Ghaida Alawfi, Seham Almehmadi, Ghaidaa Sulaiman, Sara Alzahrani and Khalid Aboalshamat
Abstract
Introduction: Dentists are responsible for a large proportion of antibiotic and analgesic prescriptions. Due to excessive use of these medications, appropriate prescribing has become essential for all health-care providers. Aim: This study was aimed to assess practices and knowledge of dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding analgesic and antibiotic prescriptions. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study recruited 315 dental practitioners and undergraduate students to answer a self-administered questionnaire in English, which was taken from previous validated questionnaire with face validity and content validity ratio of 0.87. The questionnaire was distributed online in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of three sections measuring demographic data, levels of knowledge, and the practices of dental practitioners regarding analgesic and antibiotic. Statistical analysis included chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression. Statistical significance was set as a P-value of 0.05. Results: Participants’ mean (m) correct answers were 14.04 out of 18, with standard deviation (SD) of 2.68, indicating high knowledge levels. The differences in total knowledge scores were not statistically significant by gender or region. However, interns and practicing dentists (m=14.81, SD=2.11) had statistically higher scores (p <0.001) than students in clinical years of study (m=13.34, SD=2.92). Most participants had favorable practices, with only 43 (13.65%) prescribing antibiotics because the patient expected it. Also, 130 (41.27%) consider the medicine’s cost before prescribing. Conclusion: This study found that there are moderate levels of knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic and analgesic prescribing among undergraduate, post-graduate, and practicing dentists in Saudi Arabia. Future studies should include other pharmacological aspects like drug effects on oral health and drug–drug interactions.