Knowledge, Attitude and Unwillingness to Treat with Herpes Labialis by Dental Health Care Practioners in Karachi, Sindh - A Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and attitude of dental professionals regarding herpes labialis and to highlight the possible causes of refusal to treat infected individuals. METHODOLOGY: A total of 144 participants responded to a self-administered questionnaire comprising 40 questions related to awareness and perception of dentists about herpes labialis. The study participants included dental professionals who perform routine dental procedures including house officers, resident doctors and faculty members. Undergraduates and paradental staff were excluded. Participants who did not provide consent were also not included. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 and association of knowledge and practices with professional status was evaluated using Chi-square test. p-value of 0.05 is considered as significant. RESULTS: Out of 144 respondents, 85 (91.4%) of house officers acknowledged saliva as a potential pathway of disease spread. Similarly, 30 (96.8%) residents and 16 (80%) dental faculty members were of the same opinion and a significant association between knowledge and professional experience was identified (p = 0.015). Regarding treatment of infected patients, 78 (83.9%) house officers along with 27 (87%) residents believed that providing treatment can put dentists at the risk of developing herpetic whitlow. A large proportion of dental faculty staff members 13 (65%) agreed with them and a statistically significant association opinion with professional expertise was noted (p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive assessment of knowledge and attitude of dental professionals about herpes labialis. It highlights that most dental practitioners have adequate knowledge regarding cause and possible routes of spread of herpes labialis. A significant number of dental care providers may be reluctant to treat affected individuals citing occurrence of herpetic whitlow as a valid concern.