European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

KAP STUDY ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION OF INDIAN DENTISTS – A CROSS SECTIONAL MIXED METHODS APPROACH

Megha Das and Saumya Singh

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Clinical practice of Dentistry often is encountered with stressful situations. It requires close and personal interaction with patients, hence, the ethical and moral standards leave no room for error in judgment by the clinician. The practice of Dentistry is often associated with strained physical and psychological atmosphere, which has direct and indirect harmful effects on the clinician. Aim: The study aims at assessing knowledge, awareness and perception of Indian Dentists on alcohol dependence. Methods: This is cross – sectional mixed methods study constituting of both quantitative and qualitative approach. A sample size of 50 was taken for quantitative survey and five in-depth interviews were conducted for qualitative findings. Conclusion: From the results, 74% Dentists knew about alcohol dependence and its implications, 43% participants admitted consuming alcohol on a daily basis, 18% of which were self-identified alcoholics. From a the qualitative interviews, major reasons identified for alcohol dependency were mental stress, physical strain, emotional trauma, anxiety, poor family life and previous substance and alcohol addiction.

Keywords: Alcohol consumption, Dentists, Substance abuse, Alcoholism, Stress, Clinical practice.