Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Tunisian dentists on the prescription of antibiotics

Aymen Ben Hadj Khalifa; Hanen Boukhris; Ghada Ayari; Dhia Eddine Ben Mansour; Chiraz Baccouche

doi:10.7126/cumudj.1656296

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Tunisian dentists on the prescription of antibiotics

Abstract

Introduction : The misuse of antibiotics in dentistry contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Understanding dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors is crucial for promoting rational antibiotic use. Objective: This study aims to assess Tunisian dentists' knowledge levels on antibiotic prescription, as well as their attitudes, behaviors and current practices regarding antibiotic use. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional KAP study including 16 questions was delivered to Tunisian dentists based on an online questionnaire. The questionnaire is composed of 2 parts, a knowledge assessment based on the indication or not of antibiotics in specific clinical conditions then the respondents were categorized based on the scores they obtained. The second part based on non-clinical situations aims to assess their attitudes regarding the prescription of antibiotics. Results: A total of 258 dentists were included in the study. Most Tunisian dentists (84.5%) showed an average level of knowledge regarding the indications of antibiotic. There is no statistically significant relationship between knowledge levels and their years of experience. For non-clinical factors, the high rate of prescribing antibiotics is only when it is necessary to delay treatment (33.7%). Participants disagreed on prescribing antibiotics when requested by patients and when pressed for time with rates of 83.3% and 55.4% respectively. However, dentists have shown a lack of individual practices aimed at improving the prescription of antibiotics including participation in continuing training on prescription (15.5%). Conclusion: This study highlighted shortcomings in antibiotic prescribing in our dental practice. Targeted action plans for the latter could be a first step in the implementation of a policy on the proper use of antibiotics in dentistry.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Dental Therapeutics, Pharmacology and Toxicology , Oral Medicine and Pathology , Dental Public Health

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Aymen Ben Hadj Khalifa ^*
0000-0001-5080-4179
Tunisia

Hanen Boukhris
0000-0001-7574-1872
Tunisia

Ghada Ayari
0009-0003-8976-2799
Tunisia

Dhia Eddine Ben Mansour
0009-0007-7271-4087
Tunisia

Chiraz Baccouche
0000-0002-2980-9191
Tunisia

Publication Date

September 30, 2025

Submission Date

March 15, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 24, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 1970 Volume: 28 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7126/cumudj.1656296

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA65YW59WC

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

EndNote

Ben Hadj Khalifa A, Boukhris H, Ayari G, Ben Mansour DE, Baccouche C (September 1, 2025) Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Tunisian dentists on the prescription of antibiotics. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 28 3 361–369.

Cited By

Antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial resistance: An evaluation of clinical teachers’ knowledge, attitude and practices at a South African dental school

PLOS One

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0344962