Practicing Dentists’ Self-Efficacy and Associated Factors in Managing the Treatment of Adults with Mental and Physical Disabilities: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Provision of oral healthcare to adults with mental and physical disabilities (AMPD) remains a challenging area across various healthcare systems. The present study aimed to assess self-reported efficacy and investigate factors associated with self-efficacy in the management of AMPD among practicing dentists in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A pilot-tested, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 1000 dentists. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed on the collected responses. Results: Among the respondents (54%), 43% were males. Only 14% described their self-efficacy in managing AMPD as “High”. Multivariable regression analyses revealed significant associations between “High” self-efficacy and male gender (Odd ratio (OR) = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.16–4.89), experience practicing dentistry for 11 years or more (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.04–4.47), specialization in pediatric dentistry (OR = 3.98, 95% CI = 1.31–12.07), previous experience in managing AMPD (OR = 4.23, 95% CI = 1.59–11.22), and awareness of regulations for managing AMPD (OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.42–4.38). The interaction of gender x age was significantly associated (p = 0.028) with “High” self-efficacy. Gender-stratified analyses revealed a significant association between age and “High” self-efficacy among male dentists only. Conclusions: The findings of the present study highlight that a large percentage of dentists reported “Low/Moderate” self-efficacy in managing AMPD, particularly among female dentists. However, further studies are required to verify the factors associated with self-efficacy in the present study, and to identify other factors that may influence self-efficacy in managing AMPD.

Mental Well-Being and Self-Efficacy of Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“… 15 Besides, another study reported relatively lower SE among 1000 dentists when treating adult patients with mental and physical disabilities. 18 Studies in Norway and United States exhibited improved SE among doctors after completing a communication skills training course. 27 , 28 On the other hand, marital status, smoking, and regular exercise showed no significant relationship with the level of SE among HCWs.…”

“…For every study participant, the following data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included the following sections: Socio-demographic, health, and occupational characteristics; The following variables were adopted from previous studies with some modifications. 12 , 16 , 18 Age, gender, nationality, smoking status, chronic health condition, history of anxiety and/or depression, profession, hospital type, Corona team membership, experience, years of experience and working hours per day were inquired about. WHO five Well-Being Index (WHO-5): This scale was used to assess the current mental well-being over the last two weeks.…”

Effect of self‐efficacy and empathy characteristics of post‐graduate residents on local anesthesia administration performances: Pilot study

“…Al Qahtani et al in their observational study assessed the self-reported efficacy of Saudi Arabian dentists and investigated factors associated with self-efficacy in the management of adults with mental and physical disabilities. 31 Compared to the present study, which has an experimental design, the study of Al Qahtani et al does not have similar data or approach to make a comparison.…”

“…In the dental literature, there are a limited number of publications studying the effect of self-efficacy on clinical performance. [13][14][15]31,32 Opacic investigated the predictive relationship between student physician assistants' self-efficacy beliefs and their clinical performance. 9 Three hundred students from 14 accredited programs who were in the first year of their clinical professional education were involved in the study.…”

“…Research has indicated students' self-efficacy perceptions and empathy skills can be improved via specifically designed educational programs and learning environments which aim to enhance students' clinical performances. 31,32,35,36 Additionally, pediatric dentists and researchers also seek contemporary methods for effective clinical management of anxious children and better technique/educational activities aiming for pain-free local anesthesia in children. [2][3][4][5][6]8,[37][38][39][40] However, both aims can be achieved concurrently via educational programs if included at undergraduate and/or post-graduate levels.…”