KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF DENTISTS TOWARDS EVIDENCE-BASED DENTISTRY IN LAGOS, NIGERIA By O. T. Adeoye A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MSc in Dental Science, University of the Western Cape November 2008 Supervisor: Prof Sudeshni Naidoo
71
Embed
Knowledge and attitudes of dentists towards evidence-based ... · Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 5 ABSTRACT This was a cross-sectional
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF DENTISTS TOWARDS EVIDENCE-BASED DENTISTRY IN
LAGOS, NIGERIA
By
O. T. Adeoye
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements
for the degree of MSc in Dental Science, University of the
Western Cape
November 2008
Supervisor: Prof Sudeshni Naidoo
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 2
DECLARATION
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the work contained in this dissertation is my
original work and has not been previously in its entirety or in part been submitted at
any university for a degree.
____________________________ ____________________
Dr Olusola Titilayo Adeoye Date
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Doing this whole course work and dissertation has been a journey I will never forget.
It opened me up to a whole world of community health.
I want to say thank you to the team of professors at the Department of Community
Dentistry, University of The Western Cape, you have been so great. I had so much fun
at the introductory session; I wish I could have had more time with you all.
Thank you most especially, Professor Sudeshni Naidoo, you were a fantastic
supervisor.
To Dr Abiola Adeniyi, Consultant, Community Dentistry, LASUTH, this work
would not have been done without your wonderful inputs and willingness to help me
out in so many ways.
Thank you, Segun, my sweet husband for being there to help me out anyway you
could. You really are the best husband in the world. To my children Temi, Toni and
Tofa, you were wonderful in being so understanding and patient all the times I had to
work.
And finally, to Baba God, thank you, thank you, and thank you.
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 4
DEDICATION
This first dissertation of mine is dedicated to all the dentists who willingly and
cheerfully participated in this project.
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 5
ABSTRACT
This was a cross-sectional study done in Lagos, Nigeria on 114 dentists. The aim of
the study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes of dentists towards the concept
of evidence-based dentistry (EBD). This study also attempted to create an awareness
of this concept in the minds of previously uninformed dentists as well as demonstrate
its need in continuous professional education via seminars, updates, lectures and
short-term courses in Lagos, Nigeria.
Majority of the respondents were female aged between 25 and 40 years. Seventy-three
percent of these respondents were in general practice with about two-thirds of all
respondents having been in practice for less than 10 years. Although more than two
thirds of these respondents reported being aware of the concept of evidence-based
dentistry (EBD), only about half chose the correct definition. However, more than
half of the respondents agreed that this was an important concept in practice. In
addition, more than two-thirds of the respondents that were aware of this concept
reported changing their practice at one time or the other as a result of reading
evidence based research articles.
Perceived barriers by respondents to the use of evidence-based dentistry include
having inadequate knowledge or awareness on its concepts, lack of relevant materials
and equipment, inadequate training opportunities and having insufficient time due to
busy clinical practices. The conclusion is that most of these dentists were actually
unaware of the concept of evidence-based dentistry.
physiotherapy clinic, 60 medical labs, 219 ophthalmic/optic centres, 12 radio
diagnostic centres and 3 ambulance services (Lagos Ministry of Health). Dental care
is available in all government health facilities except the primary health care centres.
However, there are only about 83 dentists practicing in the government hospitals as
opposed to the 177 doctors. Other dentists are in the tertiary and private
clinics/hospitals.
3.4 Study design A cross-sectional study was utilized. The use of the algorithm (Appendix IV) by
Burns and Grove (2003) was employed in the determination of the research
methodology. A cross-sectional study design focuses on collecting information from a
representation of the population (the sample) at a point in time. Choosing this design
CATEGORY NUMBER PERCENTAGE Male 9116023 52% Female 8437901 48% Total 17,553,924 100
Children<5yrs 3563447 20.3% Children 5-14yrs 3861863 20% 15-64yrs 9584442 54.6% >65yrs 544172 3.1% Total 17,553,924 100%
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 33
was based on the aims and objectives of the study; the advantages of the quantitative
methodology; and the acceptability of the research method to the participants.
3.5 Research strategy A structured approach was adopted. Both the sampling method and the questionnaire
design were conducted prior to the collection of the data. A standardised approach
was employed so as to increase the chances of getting data that could be replicated at
different times and on different populations to make the results comparable. The
possibilities of having sampling errors like non-response and information bias was
recognised, as this is possible in a descriptive study utilising a structured
questionnaire.
3.6 Instrument used Questionnaires were used to collect the data in this study. A questionnaire is a quick
way to obtain data from a large sample population and they are less expensive in
terms of time and money. They are easy to use as a test for validity and reliability and
the participants usually feel a sense of anonymity and provide honest answers. There
is less risk of getting a performance bias as is common in an interview. However, care
was taken to ensure that this questionnaire was easy for the participants to respond to
and that the terms used were unambiguous and clear. The main advantage employed
in this instance was that a large geographical area was covered. However, the main
disadvantage of a questionnaire is that it is limited to those respondents with a fixed
contactable address. Also, there is a generally low response rate of less than thirty
percent when used in a postal survey.
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 34
3.7 Selection of study population The study population consisted of all dentists practicing in the city of Lagos in both
private and public establishments. A list of this population of dentists was obtained
from the National Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (NMDCN) and consisted of
a total of three hundred and seventeen dentists. Of the three hundred and seventeen on
the register, thirty nine had moved out of the country, fifty seven had moved location
within the country out of Lagos and twenty one had invalid addresses that could not
be traced. This left a sample population of two hundred dentists practicing in Lagos
with valid addresses. Questionnaires were sent out to all two hundred.
Inclusion criteria were:
- Participant had to be a licensed dentist.
- Participant must be practicing in Lagos.
- Participant must have signed the informed consent form.
Exclusion criteria were:
- The dentists, who though registered to practice in Lagos, had invalid
addresses.
- The dentists, who though registered with addresses in Lagos, were not resident
in the city.
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 35
3.8 Measurement
This study employed the use of a cross-sectional postal survey using a structured
questionnaire. It collected demographic information and used both open-ended as well
as close-ended questions to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the participants. It
tried to ensure that it suited the aim and objectives of the study and was simple,
clearly understood and unambiguous. Planning of the questionnaire began in July
2007. It was designed following group discussions with academics and other dental
professionals working in the field.
These respondents were based in a developing country and the questionnaire tried to
take this into consideration. It was hoped that the subject of the questionnaire would
be of interest to the respondents and hopefully, be able to elicit their full co-operation
in supplying truthful answers. Questions which might possibly alienate the
respondents and researcher were also avoided. The use of well-worded questions was
utilized and ‘double-barrelled questions’ avoided. The total focus of this was to
ensure that efficient and meaningful analysis of the acquired date would be possible.
The questionnaire data was grouped into the following categories:
Demographic information
The demographic information was subdivided into groups that included the age and
gender of the practitioners, length of training period, duration of practice and
university haven graduated from.
Evidence-based knowledge, understanding and practices
The participants were asked to identify common EBD terms. Knowledge was assessed
by asking respondents their perceived levels of knowledge on six evidence-based
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 36
practice terms, and then, choosing the correct definition of three of those terms.
Questions were asked on the sources of information for making treatment choices.
The importance of evidence-based dentistry was rated on a five-point Likert Scale,
from very important to not important. Questions were also asked on their assessment
of a need for evidence-based dentistry information, if they had ever changed their
clinical practices as a result of a scientific research article and the reasons for
changing the practice. Finally, a free text section was given for the dentists to
ascertain the perceived barriers to implementing evidence-based dentistry in clinical
practice.
Perceived benefits
Participants who reported using EBD in their practices were interviewed regarding
their satisfaction with the services they provide to their patients.
3.9 Pilot study
A pilot study was done on seven dentists working at the Lagos State University
Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Lagos, in order to ascertain the acceptability,
validity and clarity of the questionnaires. This also helped the examiner to ascertain
that the questions posed were unambiguous and clear. A question on good quality
randomized control trial was excluded as all the respondents claimed not to
understand it at all and found it very difficult to answer. Question four on the age in
years was changed to a range of age groups as it was discovered that majority of
Nigerians do not like to make their ages known to others and so avoided answering
that question. Changes were made before the questionnaires were finally dispatched
to the participants.
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 37
Structured self-administered questionnaires were sent out to all participants via both
individual and courier service delivery depending on the proximity of location to the
investigator. The postal services in the country did not have a good reputation and
could not be reliable employed. The questionnaires were accompanied by a covering
information letter giving an explanation of the study. Most questionnaires were
immediately filled and handed back.
3.10 Data analysis
Questionnaire data were categorized, coded and entered into the computer. Epi-info,
Microsoft Excel and SPSS were employed in the analysis of the data. Descriptive
statistics were used to describe the demographic data.
3.11 Ethical considerations
This research was approved by the Senate Research Ethics Committee of the
University of The Western Cape. Each questionnaire sent out was accompanied by an
information letter as well as a letter used to obtain informed consent (Appendix II).
Participation was voluntary and participants were at no time forced, coerced or tricked
into participating in this study. They were also told that they could leave the study at
any point if they wished to. The names of the participants were not used on the
questionnaires in order to preserve anonymity and to maintain confidentiality. The
questionnaires were recorded using serial numbers.
3.12 Conclusions
The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study on dentists in Lagos. It aimed at a
population sample of 200 dentists and utilized a self-administered questionnaire
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 38
which was analyzed using Epi-info and Microsoft Excel. Some of the cross-
tabulations were also done with the use of SPSS 16 statistical package.
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 39
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the results of this study. The use of tables and charts/graphs is
employed to ensure ease of reference. The findings of the study will be discussed
under the following headings:
• Response rate;
• Demographic details: age range, gender, years in practice;
• Perceived knowledge on six terms associated with EBP, definitions of three of
these terms;
• Attitudes of the dentists
• Barriers associated with prevention of the use of EBP in the practice
4.2 Response rate
A sample size of two hundred was used as this was the proportion of practicing
dentists in Lagos that still had a valid address in the National Medical and Dental
Council of Nigeria (NMDCN) registry. Two hundred questionnaires were sent
out; sixty four were not returned and twenty two were returned either improperly
completed or incomplete. A total number of one hundred and fourteen survey
questionnaires were used in the data analysis, giving a response rate of 57%.
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 40
4.3 Demographic characteristics
Of the one hundred and fourteen respondents, 54% were female. The majority were
aged between 25 and 40 years. More than two thirds (73%) of the respondents were in
general practice and 27% in specialist practice, the majority in oral and maxillofacial
surgery. Just under 20% were in academia (16.7%), 8.8% were in research, and 9.6%
were in administration with 2.6% being in a combination of these fields. Two thirds
had been practicing for less than 10 years and the remainder for more than 10 years
(Table 2). Most of the respondents reported that they were not given any teaching or
instructions on EBD while at dental school. Out of the ten who reported otherwise, 9
had attended a seminar or workshop at postgraduate level where the concept of EBP
was mentioned. Only one respondent reported having had prior teaching on the
concept of EBP while in dental school.
Table 2: Demographic characteristics
GENDER n % Female 62 54 Male 52 46 Total 114 100 AGE Less than 25 years 7 6.125 – 40 years 79 69.3 41 – 55 years 28 24.6 Total 114 100 YEARS IN PRACTICE Less than 2 years 20 17.5 2 – 5 years 20 17.5 5 – 10 years 29 25.4 10 – 15 years 18 15.8 More than 15 years 27 23.7 Total 114 100
The m
respo
Figur
4.4
The p
Evide
review
in the
majority of r
ondents quali
re 3: Univer
Perceive
perceived kn
ence-based
ws, critical a
e bar chart b
obafeawolouniver
10%
university oBenin13%
A
respondents
ified from sc
rsities atten
ed knowled
nowledge of
practice, c
appraisal an
elow (figure
emi owo rsity%
of
university ibadan16%
Attitudes and know
qualified fro
chools abroa
nded
dge of Evid
f the followin
clinical gov
nd The Coch
e 4).
of
wledge of dentists t
om a total of
ad (Figure 3)
ence-based
ng terms wa
vernance, cl
hrane Collab
abroa2%
towards evidence-b
f 4 dental sch
).
d practice
as also score
linical effec
oration. The
ad
univeL5
based dentistry in
hools in Nig
ed by the res
ctiveness, s
e results are
ersity of agos59%
Lagos, Nigeria 41
geria and 2
spondents:
systematic
displayed
Fig 4
Almo
the co
conce
of the
(57%
17.5%
they
respo
(25.4
appra
this c
In ch
system
corre
123456789
10
4: Perceived
ost half (48.2
oncept of ev
ept at all; an
e concept as
%) of the res
% reported k
had previou
ondents repo
4%) reported
aisal, about h
concept but 3
hoosing defin
matic review
ct terms re
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%00%
A
d knowledge
2%) of the r
vidence-base
nd over half
s well as bei
spondents re
knowing ver
us knowledge
orted that th
d that they w
half of the re
31.6% of the
nitions for t
w, only 30.
espectively. Attitudes and know
e on terms
respondents
ed practice;
f of the respo
ing aware th
eported bein
ry little; and
e of this col
hey could d
were unaware
espondents r
e respondent
the terms ev
7%, 31.6%
The chosewledge of dentists t
reported tha
7.9% report
ondents (53.
hat there wa
ng unaware
d only 22.8%
llaboration. I
define syste
e of this term
reported tha
ts reported b
vidence-base
and 21.1%
en definitiontowards evidence-b
at they could
ted that they
.9%) reporte
s such a con
of The Coc
% of the resp
In addition,
ematic revie
minology at a
at they under
eing unawar
ed practice,
of the resp
ns were th
Cochra
critical
system
clinica
clinica
eviden
based dentistry in
d define or u
y could not d
ed knowing
ncept at all.
chrane Colla
pondents rep
while 42.1%
ews; about
all. As regar
rstood or cou
re of this con
critical appr
pondents sel
en compare
ane Collaborat
l appraisal
matic reviews
l effectiveness
l governance
nce based pract
Lagos, Nigeria 42
understand
define this
very little
Over half
aboration;
ported that
% of these
a quarter
rds critical
uld define
ncept.
raisal and
lected the
ed to the
ion
tice
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 43
demographic variables of gender, years of experience and prior teachings on EBP,
critical appraisal and systematic review but there was no statistical significance
observed (Tables 3, 4 and 5).
Table 3: comparisons for EBP
Evidence based practice
Gender Wrong response Right response Female 39 23 Male 38 14 Total 77 37
Chi-square test p-value = 0.412 Years of practice
<10 years 50 19 >10 years 27 18
Total 97 37 Chi-square test p-value = 0.236
Previous teaching Had teaching 6 4 Nil teaching 71 33
Total 77 37 Chi-square test p-value = 0.857
Table 4: comparisons for Critical appraisal
Critical appraisal Gender Wrong response Right response Female 32 30 Male 20 32 Total 52 62
Chi-square test p-value = 0.224 Years of practice
<10 years 31 38 >10 years 21 24
Total 42 62 Chi-square test p-value = 1.00
Previous teaching Had teaching 3 7 Nil teaching 49 55
Total 52 62 Chi-square test p-value = 0.480
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 44
Table 5: comparisons for systematic reviews
Of the respondents who claimed knowledge of the terms, further statistical tests were
used to ascertain those who knew the correct answers of the definitions for EBP,
systematic review and critical appraisal; as opposed to those that thought they knew,
but gave the incorrect response. It was observed that 32.5% chose the correct
definition for EBP, 40.4% for systematic review and 54.4% for critical appraisal.
These were statistically significant with a p-value less than 0.01 (Table 6).
Table 6: Perceptions against correct definitions
Systematic review Gender Wrong response Right response Female 39 23 Male 29 23 Total 68 46
Chi-square test p-value = 0.561 Years of practice
<10 years 40 29 >10 years 28 17
Total 68 46 Chi-square test p-value = 0.797
Previous teaching Had teaching 3 7 Nil teaching 65 39
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 65
6. Did you get any instruction/teaching on evidence based dentistry while at dental school?
Yes No
If yes, please describe: ……………………………………………………………………………… 7. To assess your current knowledge on evidence based practice, using the key below, please tick honestly one letter for each of the following terms:
Term Tick one (A, B, C, D, or E) box per term
I am unaware of term
I know very little about the term
I would understand the term when it is used in its correct context
I understand the term and may use it myself but I cannot define it
I understand the term and can define it now
Evidence-based practice A B C D E Clinical governance A B C D E Clinical effectiveness A B C D E Systematic reviews A B C D E Critical appraisal A B C D E Cochrane Collaboration A B C D E
8. Which of the following do you think is the most appropriate definition for each term (please tick only one for each term): Evidence based practice: Practice based entirely on good quality research evidence
Practice based entirely on good quality clinical experience
Practice that incorporates evidence, clinical experience and patient preference
Practice that incorporates research evidence and clinical expertise
Don’t know
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 66
Systematic review: A review that uses meta-analytical techniques to pool data from a number of studies
A review that uses explicit methods to identify, select and appraise relevant research
A review looking at the effectiveness of an intervention
A review of randomized control trials in a particular field
Don’t know
Critical appraisal: Process of assessing and interpreting evidence by systematically considering validity, results and relevance Process of determining bias in the results of a published paper
Peer review of a clinical procedure
The assessment of the statistical techniques used within a study
Don’t know
9. When you are uncertain regarding a treatment choice, what do you do? (tick one only please): Consult a textbook
Consult a journal
Consult an electronic database (please specify) ………………………………………………………………………………… Ask friends or colleagues
Take patient’s preference
Make decision on your own
Other ………………………………………………………………………………… 10. On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think evidence based dentistry is in general dental practice (place circle at your choice): VERY IMPORTANT 1 2 3 4 5 NOT IMPORTANT
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 67
11. Are you interested in finding out more information on evidence based practice? Yes
No
12. Have you ever changed your practice as a result of reading a research/scientific article?
Yes
No
13. If yes, what was it about the article that made you change your practice? (Please tick one or more): Hugely significant results
Quality of the paper
The journal in which it was published
Well known authors
Other (please specify)
………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………….
14. Have you ever attended an evidence based practice course?
Yes
No
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 68
15. Please note any barriers that you feel would prevent you from using evidence based practice in your clinical practice: ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 69
APPENDIX II
INFORMATION LETTER Dear Colleague, I am a Masters student from the Department of Community Oral Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of The Western Cape, South Africa. I am currently investigating the knowledge and attitudes of dentists towards evidence based dentistry. Evidence based practice (EBP) is a concept which is accepted worldwide and has become important in clinical practice. I am hoping that this research will enable us to know the amount of knowledge and attitudes that dentists have towards it with a view to causing an increase in its awareness and use. You have been chosen to represent the population of dentists in Lagos State so it is important that you fully collaborate answering the enclosed questionnaire and return it to us. The probability of using this study to influence future dental and medical schools curricula is high; therefore, your participation is essential for the success of this research and to the improvement of the clinical practice of dentists in this country as a whole. I would like to thank you in advance for your forthcoming co-operation. Yours Sincerely, …………………………… Dr (Mrs.) Olusola Adeoye
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 70
APPENDIX III
INFORMED CONSENT FORM Dear Dr ……………………………………………………………. I am from the Department of Community Dentistry at The University of Western Cape, South Africa. As you know from the information letter sent to you, I am doing a study to ascertain the knowledge and attitudes of dentists towards Evidence based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria. I need you to fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return to us. All information gathered in this study will be treated as strictly confidential. No one will have access to this information except the researcher. Neither your name nor anything that identifies you will be used in any reports of this study. All information collected will be maintained and stored in such a way as to keep it as confidential as possible. You can withdraw from this study at any time without any penalties. If you would like to take part in this study, please sign the underwritten part of this letter. If you would also like to know anything more about this study, please contact Dr Sola Adeoye on mobile telephone 08023974447. Thank you for your co-operation. Yours sincerely, ……………………………….. Dr Sola Adeoye ……………………………………………………………………………………………… I understand what will be required of me to take part in this study. I understand that I can withdraw from this study without a reason at any time. Name:…………………………………………. ……………………………… (Print in block letters) (Signature) Telephone number: …………………………. Date: …………………………………………. Witness: …………………………………..
Attitudes and knowledge of dentists towards evidence-based dentistry in Lagos, Nigeria 71
APPENDIX IV
ALGORITHM IN STUDY DESIGN TYPES
NO YES
NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES Figure 2: Algorithm used for determining the type of study design (adapted from Burns and Grove, 2003:201)
Is there an intervention?
Is the primary purpose examination of relationships?