Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Oral Health among Patients Visiting a Medical College

Abstract

Introduction: Poor oral health affects quality of life. Experience of pain, eating, and chewing problems; embarrassment about shape of teeth or about missing, discoloured or damaged teeth can adversely affect people's daily lives and well-being.

Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding oral health among patients visiting a medical college.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Nobel Medical College, after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional review committee. Convenience sampling technique was utilised for data collection from 2021 March to 2021 June. Total of 250 patients visiting Department of Community and Public Health Dentistry and Department of Periodontics were included. Data on the oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices, were collected by means of a self-administered closed-ended questionnaire. Prior written informed consent was taken from all the study participants. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results: Total of 250 outpatients participated in this study out of which 167 (66.8%) were males and 83 (33.2%) were females. Majority, 170 (68%) brushed their teeth for <3 minutes, and only 25 (10%) subjects used interdental aids. More than half of respondents were aware about the role of tobacco in oral cancer and its impact on general health. Majority (88, 35%) yielded sources of information about oral health from radio and television.

Conclusions: The knowledge and attitude regarding oral health in selected population was low. Hence, to promote good oral health and education about correct oral hygiene practices, there is need for conducting oral health education programs at periodic intervals.