Abstract :
COVID-19 is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease is spread primarily through respiratory droplets and direct contact. Antiviral mouthwashes are mouthwashes that can lower viral loads and as a result, decrease illness severity. To analyse healthcare professional attitudes towards the usage of mouthwashes in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 3 months (6th April to 5th June 2021), among 300 Healthcare professionals {MD (Doctor of Medicine) Physician, MDS (Master of Dental Surgery), BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery), BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)} from 2 states, i.e., Delhi and Rajasthan. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire containing 23 closed type questions was formed. Each participant was given 15 days to fill the questionnaire. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel software and analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Descriptive results were analysed using Pearson’s Chi-square test and p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Total 300 participants were studied, of which 56.7% (170) were males and 43.3% were females. Out of total, 35.7% were MD, 37.3% (111) were MDS, 17.3% (52) were BHMS and 9.7% (29) were BAMS subjects.51.8% of MDS subjects and 38.5% BHMS subjects reported use of mouthwash for periodontitis purpose, whereas 42.1% MD subjects reported mouthwash used for bad breath. About 35.7% of MDS participants believed the combination of ethanol, PVP-1, and hydrogen peroxide was clinically useful, compared to 29% of MD participants. Awareness regarding different brands of mouthwash was more seen among MDS subjects as compared to other specialties and most of the health care professions were unaware regarding use of mouth wash as oral rinse in COVID-19 patients.