IMPACT OF FLIPPED CLASSES ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING HIV POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS

Background: Health care professionals are constantly exposed to numerous occupational hazards. They are at greater risk of developing blood borne infections especially dentist who handle body fluids of the oral cavity. It has been reported that nearly 3 million healthcare workers suffer percutaneous exposure each year. (Amita Gupta et al, 2008). In the past few years there has been a substantial rise in the use of internet in teaching and learning paradigm, i.e the flipped classroom. With the proliferation of Internet technology, virtual communications, and learning management systems, many students are interested in a flipped classroom. Aim The main aim of the present study is to assess the impact of flipped classes on knowledge regarding post exposure prophylaxis among dental students in India Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences (IGIDS), Puducherry. Materials and Methods Quasi experimental design was chosen for the study. 60 students studying final year BDS course, in Indira Gandhi Institute Of Dental Sciences, (IGIDS) Puducherry were selected as samples using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through self-administered structured questionnaire. After the data collection the students attended the flipped classes as per the schedule. The post-test was done after an interaction class. Results The pre-test score on level of knowledge regarding post exposure prophylaxis revealed that 47(78.3%) dental student had poor knowledge, 13(21.7%) of them had moderate knowledge and none had adequate knowledge. The post-test score on the level of knowledge regarding post exposure prophylaxis revealed that 12(20%) had moderate knowledge, 48(80%) of them had adequate knowledge and none had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge during pre-test was 11.95 with standard deviation of 3.296 whereas after flipped classes the mean score was increased to24.25 with standard deviation of 2.245.The improvement was statistically tested by paired t-test which was found to be statistically significant at p<0.001 implicating the effectiveness of flipped classes in improving the knowledge regarding post exposure prophylaxis.