Malek, Mazarina Nurdini and Yudin, Zainab Mat and Abdul Hamid, Nor Faharina and Harun, Nor Asilah and Awang Bono, Suzanna and Awang Nawi, Mohamad Arif
(2022)
Dental students’ perception, attitude, and willingness to interact with mental illness patients: a multicentre cross-sectional study.
Journal of Dentistry Indonesia, 29 (1).
pp. 43-51.
ISSN 1693-9697
E-ISSN 2355-4800
Abstract
Mental illness is a psychological impairment involving emotions, cognitions, and behaviors, and its prevalence is
increasing worldwide. Dental students may encounter patients with underlying psychological problems during their
training. Objective : To evaluate dental students’ perception, attitude, and willingness to interact with patients
with mental illness. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted involving undergraduates at
three dental institutions in Malaysia using an online self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis
was conducted and statistical analysis using chi-square test was done for associations (p < 0.05). Results: The
response rate was 63% (225); the majority of respondents were female (77.8%) and of Malay ethnicity (88.4%).
Our study found that positive attitudes are independent of respondents’ sociodemographic profiles. No significant
differences in attitudes were portrayed by gender, race, or history of mental illness. Our findings suggest that
respondents’ place of study, gender, and previous encounter with mental illness are associated with willingness
to interact with patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dental students displayed positive attitudes and willingness
to interact with patients with mental illness. However, to further improve students’ attitudes and enhance their
readiness to interact with patients with mental illness, more mental health-related educational programs should
be introduced in the dental curricula.
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