The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice

Register      Login

SEARCH WITHIN CONTENT

FIND ARTICLE

Volume / Issue

Online First

Archive
Volume  25 (2024)
Volume  24 (2023)
Volume  23 (2022)
Volume  22 (2021)
Volume  21 (2020)
Volume  20 (2019)
Volume  19 (2018)
Volume  18 (2017)
Volume  17 (2016)
Volume  16 (2015)
Volume  15 (2014)
Volume  14 (2013)
Volume  13 (2012)
Volume  12 (2011)
Volume  11 (2010)
Volume  10 (2009)
Volume  9 (2008)
Volume  8 (2007)
Volume  7 (2006)
Volume  6 (2005)
Volume  5 (2004)
Volume  4 (2003)
Volume  3 (2002)
Volume  2 (2001)
Volume  1 (1999)
Related articles

VOLUME 15 , ISSUE 6 ( November-December, 2014 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pediatricians and Pharmacists in Riyadh City toward the use of Sugar free Medications

Bandar Alsuwayt, Waleed Alqahtani, Ahmad Al-Dhafiri, Mosleh Al-Shamrani

Citation Information : Alsuwayt B, Alqahtani W, Al-Dhafiri A, Al-Shamrani M. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pediatricians and Pharmacists in Riyadh City toward the use of Sugar free Medications. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014; 15 (6):755-760.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1612

Published Online: 01-04-2015

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2014; The Author(s).


Abstract

Objective

This study was intended to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatricians and pharmacists about sugar free medications (SFMs) and their impact on oral health.

Materials and methods

Self-administered close ended questionnaire was handed out to all pediatricians and pharmacists in five tertiary hospitals in Riyadh (King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud Medical City, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Sultan Medical Military City, Security Forces Hospital) to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice concerning SFMs.

Results

Eighty-five pediatricians and 77 pharmacists participated in this study. The results showed that pediatricians and pharmacists have a good knowledge, but negative attitude toward SFMs. Only (5.9%) of pediatricians had formal undergraduate training which is significantly lower than pharmacists (15.6%) (p = 0.04). One-third of pediatricans and pharmacists prescribe or dispense SFMs. The most influencing factors toward prescription (pediatrician) of SFMs was the medical status of the patient (70.6%), while the most influencing factor of dispensing (pharmacists) SFMs was the availability in the pharmacy (64.9%). Two-third of pediatricians (67%) guide the parents about the risk associated with sugarcontaining medications (SCMs) which is significantly higher than pharmacists (p < 0.0001). Also, 53% of pediatricians recommend oral hygiene instructions when prescribing SCMs which is also significantly higher than pharmacists (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

There is a considerable knowledge about SFMs and its impact on dental caries, among pediatricians and pharmacists participated in this study. However, their attitude toward prescribing or dispensing SFMs was not positive and may be linked to the gap in knowledge. Further training and education of healthcare providers regarding the use of SFMs and its negative impact on dental caries has to be reiterated.

How to cite this article

Bawazir OA, Alsuwayt B, Alqahtani W, Al-Dhafiri A, Al-Shamrani M. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pediatricians and Pharmacists in Riyadh City toward the use of Sugar free Medications. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014; 15(6):755-760.

PDF Share
  1. The role of medications in dental caries formation: need for sugar free medication for children. Pediatrician 1989;16(3-4):153-155.
  2. The dental patient with asthma. An update and oral health considerations. J Am Dent Assoc 2001;132(9):1229-1239.
  3. Sugar content in liquid oral medicines for children. Rev Saude Publica 2005;39(3):486-489.
  4. pH, titratable acidity acidity and total soluble solid content of pediatric antitussive medicines. Acta Stomatol Croat 2008;42(2):164-170.
  5. Sugar based medicines and dental disease. Community Dent Health 1985;2(1):57-62.
  6. The mystery ingredients: sweeteners, flavorings, dyes and preservatives in analgesic/antipyretic, antihistamine/decongestant, cough and cold, antidiarrheal, and liquid theophylline preparations. Pediatrics 1993;91(5):927-933.
  7. Sweetener content of common pediatric oral liquid medications. Am J Hosp Pharm 1988;45(1):135-142.
  8. Rampant caries secondary to cough syrup addiction. Quintessence International 2001;32:78-79.
  9. The role of medication and sugars in pediatric dental patients. Dent Clin North Am 2000;44(3):443-456.
  10. Dental caries and sugar-containing liquid medicines for children in New Zealand. N Z Dent J 1997;93(414):124-129.
  11. Factors affecting the availability of sugar free medicines for children—a survey in the UK. Int J Paediatr Dent 1993;3(3):163-167.
  12. Consumer demand in the purchase and prescription of sugar free medicines. Int J Paediatr Dent 2000;10(2):140-144.
  13. C. S, Freitas CHS. Long-term pediatric sugared medicines: knowledge and attitude of medical practitioners at a university hospital. Rev Gaúcha Odontol 2011;59:599-602.
  14. A survey of knowledge, opinion and practice of dentists, pharmacists and parents in Nigeria towards the use of sugar free medication. European J Paediatric Dentist 2012;13(2):136-142.
  15. Pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning sugar free medicines. Int J Paediatr Dent 1999;9(1):31-35.
  16. The effect of severe caries on the quality of life in young children. Pediatr Dent 1999;21(6):325-326.
  17. Medicines in liquid and syrup form used long-term in paediatrics: a survey in the Northern Region of England. Int J Paediatr Dent 1994;4(2):93-99.
  18. Effect of various sugars and sugar substitutes on dental caries in hamsters and rats. J Nutr 1967;93(1):65-76.
PDF Share
PDF Share

© Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.