Aerosol-Generating Procedure (AGP) Control Measures and Their Related Factors Among Dental Surgeons in Bangladesh During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Zaki, Mohammed Mahbub; Ahmed, Anam; Awal, Md. Abdul; Khan, Md. Haider Ali; Taleb, Asma

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17737245

Published July 2021 | Version v1

Journal article Open

Aerosol-Generating Procedure (AGP) Control Measures and Their Related Factors Among Dental Surgeons in Bangladesh During the COVID-19 Pandemic

1. Consultant, Department of Prosthodontics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
2. Associate Professor (CC), Department of Dental Public Health, University Dental College, Dhaka
3. Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Dhaka Dental College
4. Senior Consultant, Dhaka Medical College Hospital
5. Dental Surgeon, Dhaka.

Contributors

Contact person (2):

1. Consultant, Department of Prosthodontics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Email: mahbubzaki@yahoo.com
2. Associate Professor (CC), Department of Dental Public Health, University Dental College, Dhaka. Email: dph.udc@gmail.com

Abstarct

Background: Dental practice frequently involves aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) putting clinicians at increased risk of COVID-19. Proper AGP management must be knowledge-driven, effectively implemented and backed up by appropriate infrastructure. This research evaluated the level of knowledge, practice, perceived barriers and training needs of dental surgeons of Bangladesh on AGPs control.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research study was conducted during the period of January to March 2021 among 110 licensed dental surgeons of Bangladesh. Using convenience sampling, participants were recruited through existing WhatsApp groups. In accordance with WHO and CDC directives, a structured questionnaire was developed to collect the data. The demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice scores, barriers, and information sources were summarized with descriptive statistics.
Results: The knowledge of the respondents towards infection control of AGP and COVID-19 was moderate; a majority (68.2%) scored moderate (mean knowledge score = 7.4 ± 1.9). The majority of participants acknowledged the phenomenon of aerosol transmission and the use of N95/FFP2 respirators. However, about 41% were incorrect about the mouth rinse used prior to procedures and about 47% were incorrect about the fallow time. About fifty two percent reported regularly taking key AGP control measures. A total of 63% of respondents listed financial constraints as a major barrier while 58% chose an inadequate ventilation system at the clinic. Furthermore, 54% chose insufficient training while 49% chose limited access to HEPA filters or N95/FFP2 respirator. Most participants reported international health bodies (72%) and professional associations (68%) as a source of information and 76% indicated a need for more training.
Conclusion: In spite of having moderate knowledge, dental surgeon of Bangladesh show large discrepancies in their adherence to AGP controls due to limitation of resources, infrastructure and lack of training. It may be more cost-effective to strengthen PPE access, provide training and simplify the guidelines adapted from the Bangla language and ventilation systems for clinics that can enhance AGP management safely and sustainably in a future pandemic.