KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTION AMONG PATIENTS TOWARDS CROSS-INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES IN DENTAL CLINICS IN GEORGIA BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Problem of cross-infection and infection in dental practice has become a matter of public concern. Changing public expectations for cross-infection control could improve safety precautions of dental care. Goal of the study was to determine the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) of Georgian patients attending dental clinics regarding cross-infections and infection control measures in dentistry. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 570 participants from all 10 regions of Georgia and Tbilisi (the capital city) during 2019. A standardized, confidential, self-administered, close-ended questionnaire was used to assess respondents' knowledge, attitudes, self-reported practices, perception and behaviors toward cross-infection control measures in dental clinics. 71.4% (n 407) of participants were females and 28.6% (n 163) were males. 72.6%, 63.2%, and 62.5% of respondents agreed that they can catch during dental treatment HCV, HBV and AIDS/HIV respectively, while 50.5% and 55.8% mentioned about TB and respiratory infectious (RI) diseases respectively. 80% of participants are concerned about the risk to be infected during the dental treatment. 62.5% of participants responded that they would not receive treatment in dental clinic where HIV and HBV/HCV patients are being treated. Overall, the study suggests that participants' knowledge, attitude and perception regarding cross-infection control in dentistry need some improvements. This study will assist in planning more effective interventions to enhance public awareness about infection control in dentistry in Georgia.