Omar A Bawazir1, Bandar Alsuwayt2, Waleed Alqahtani3, Ahmad Al-Dhafiri2, Mosleh Al-Shamrani4. 1. Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, PO Box 60169, Riyadh 11545 Saudi Arabia, e-mail: obawazir@ksu.edu.sa. 2. Dentist, Hafer Al-Batin Dental Center, Ministry of Health, Hafer Al-Batin Saudi Arabia. 3. Intern, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 4. Consultant, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, King Saud Medical City Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study was intended to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatricians and pharmacists about sugar free medications (SFMs) and their impact on oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-administered close ended questionnaire was handed out to all pediatricians and pharmacists in five tertiary hospitals in Riyadh (King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud Medical City, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Sultan Medical Military City, Security Forces Hospital) to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice concerning SFMs. RESULTS: Eighty-five pediatricians and 77 pharmacists participated in this study. The results showed that pediatricians and pharmacists have a good knowledge, but negative attitude toward SFMs. Only (5.9%) of pediatricians had formal undergraduate training which is significantly lower than pharmacists (15.6%) (p = 0.04). One-third of pediatricans and pharmacists prescribe or dispense SFMs. The most influencing factors toward prescription (pediatrician) of SFMs was the medical status of the patient (70.6%), while the most influencing factor of dispensing (pharmacists) SFMs was the availability in the pharmacy (64.9%). Two-third of pediatricians (67%) guide the parents about the risk associated with sugar-containing medications (SCMs) which is significantly higher than pharmacists (p < 0.0001). Also, 53% of pediatricians recommend oral hygiene instructions when prescribing SCMs which is also significantly higher than pharmacists (p = 0.0 02). CONCLUSION: There is a considerable knowledge about SFMs and its impact on dental caries, among pediatricians and pharmacists participated in this study. However, their attitude toward prescribing or dispensing SFMs was not positive and may be linked to the gap in knowledge. Further training and education of healthcare providers regarding the use of SFMs and its negative impact on dental caries has to be reiterated.
OBJECTIVE: This study was intended to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatricians and pharmacists about sugar free medications (SFMs) and their impact on oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-administered close ended questionnaire was handed out to all pediatricians and pharmacists in five tertiary hospitals in Riyadh (King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud Medical City, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Sultan Medical Military City, Security Forces Hospital) to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice concerning SFMs. RESULTS: Eighty-five pediatricians and 77 pharmacists participated in this study. The results showed that pediatricians and pharmacists have a good knowledge, but negative attitude toward SFMs. Only (5.9%) of pediatricians had formal undergraduate training which is significantly lower than pharmacists (15.6%) (p = 0.04). One-third of pediatricans and pharmacists prescribe or dispense SFMs. The most influencing factors toward prescription (pediatrician) of SFMs was the medical status of the patient (70.6%), while the most influencing factor of dispensing (pharmacists) SFMs was the availability in the pharmacy (64.9%). Two-third of pediatricians (67%) guide the parents about the risk associated with sugar-containing medications (SCMs) which is significantly higher than pharmacists (p < 0.0001). Also, 53% of pediatricians recommend oral hygiene instructions when prescribing SCMs which is also significantly higher than pharmacists (p = 0.0 02). CONCLUSION: There is a considerable knowledge about SFMs and its impact on dental caries, among pediatricians and pharmacists participated in this study. However, their attitude toward prescribing or dispensing SFMs was not positive and may be linked to the gap in knowledge. Further training and education of healthcare providers regarding the use of SFMs and its negative impact on dental caries has to be reiterated.
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Keywords:
Al-Dhafri A; Al-Shamrani M. Knowledge; Alqahtani W; Alsuwayt B; Attitude and Practic e of Pediatricians and Pharmacists in Riyadh City toward the use of Sugar free Medications. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014; 15(6):755-760. Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None.; Child; Dental caries; Pediatrician; Pharmacist; Sugar free medication. How to cite this article: Bawa zir OA