Determination of Infective Endocarditis Development Risks and Knowledge Levels of Individuals Applying for Dental Treatment

Abstract

Objective: In the study, it was aimed to determine the risk and level of knowledge of individuals who applied to the clinic for dental treatment. Methods: The research consisted of 713 adult individuals who went to the dental clinic for dental treatment between 01 March and 31 August 2020, who were willing to participate in the study and who met the inclusion criteria. The questionnaires developed by the researchers were used to determine the risks of developing infective endocarditis, and the knowledge levels of Oral and Dental Health and Infective Endocarditis in individuals who attended dental treatment. Descriptive statistical analyzes were made. Results: In the study, the rate of agreeing that "oral and dental health problems are as important as other health problems" (p = 0.005) and that "infective endocarditis disease is an infection of the heart and its valves" (p = 0.009) was found to be significantly higher in females than males. It was determined that the majority of the individuals (38.7%) were indecisive about the idea that “antibiotics should be used before dental treatment”. When the infective endocarditis risk factors were evaluated in the study, it was found that 8.1% had piersing in their body, 28.3% had problems such as gingivitis, bleeding and swelling. Conclusion: The most important issue in preventing the development of infective endocarditis is to increase the awareness of individuals. The society should be made aware of the risk factors that may cause infective endocarditis and their knowledge level should be increased.