Assessment of knowledge, perception regarding biostatistics and interpretation of research among Moroccan Dental professionals

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate dental professionals’ perception of biostatistics and interpretation of research results. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among dental professionals of Casablanca Dental School, Morocco. 81 participants completed the questionnaire (rate of response 90%). The responses were assessed on 5-point Likert scale. With regards to biostatistics knowledge, one major result that stood out was the proportion of correct items in the questionnaire. Results: 60% of participants had a graduation duration ranging from 1 to 10 years. About two-thirds (62%) were professors and about 1 third (31%) were residents. 90% of the respondents wanted to learn more biostatistics. The overall mean percentage correct on statistical knowledge and interpretation of results was 19.4%. The most important response percentage was recorded for the knowledge of case-control studies (38.3%). The least important response percentage was 2.5% for Cox’s regression identification. Length of time after graduation and the participants’ grade were significantly associated with biostatistics knowledge. Discussion: The study concluded that dental professionals showed a low perceived knowledge of biostatistics concepts; thus, there is a need to implement biostatistics into dental programmes to meet dental professionals’ use in research and clinical practice.