Knowledge, perceived risk, and preventive behaviours amidst Covid-19 pandemic among dental students in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Ismail, Azlini, Ismail, Nur Hanisah, Abu Kassim, Nur Yasrin Maisarah, Lestari, Widya, Ismail, Ahmad Faisal, Sukotjo, Cortino
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: RK Dentistry
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/97521/1/SEAADE%20BUKU%20ACARA.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/97521/7/SEADE%20PRESENTATION.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/97521/

The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge status, perceived risk, and preventive behaviours of dental students in Malaysia on COVID-19. A cross-sectional study across dental schools in Malaysia was conducted through online survey. 93.5% had a high score of knowledge on COVID-19. Regarding perceived risk and preventive behaviours, female students scored higher than the males. Chinese students scored the highest in knowledge of COVID-19, while Malay students had the highest perceived risk score. In terms of preventive behaviors, the mean score did not vary across ethnicity. On-campus students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk scores whereas off-campus students practiced more preventive behaviors. The mean score for knowledge was higher among clinical students as compared to preclinical students. The final year dental students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk compared to their juniors. In conclusion, majority of dental students have good knowledge about COVID-19, high perceived risk, and practiced most of the preventive behaviors. Nevertheless, they should always keep up with the latest advancements in COVID-19.