THE APPLICATION OF GUIDLINS FOR THE PREVENTION OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS BY DENTISTS IN KAZAKHSTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction. Awareness and clinical application of the guiding principles for the prevention of infective endocarditis (IE) among dental practitioners is one of the key factors influencing morbidity rates. Aim. To assess the level of awareness and the implementation of IE prevention guidelines among dentists in Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 dental practitioners. A prognostic model was constructed using logistic regression and the CHAID method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26.0). Results. According to the findings, only 5% of dentists were fully informed about the potential risks of developing IE following invasive dental procedures and the recommendations for its prevention. Among the respondents, 88.8% highlighted the need to inform dentists regarding the dental management of patients with cardiovascular diseases at an interdisciplinary level. Furthermore, 70.1% of physicians emphasized the necessity of creating an adapted version of the IE prevention guidelines for Kazakhstan. Conclusions. Thus, the implementation of IE prevention measures in Kazakhstan is a concern, specifically the low level of awareness among dentists about the guiding principles of prevention. In addition, there was a noted need for the development of a locally adapted IE prevention guideline for Kazakhstan.