Mean Attitude Score Regarding Dental Floss among Dentists in a District of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health is an inherent part of the overall individual’s general health. Good oral hygiene practices are widely considered essential in maintaining good oral health and flossing has long been considered an indispensable part of an effective oral hygiene routine. This study aimed to find out the mean attitude score regarding dental floss among dentists. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 142 dentists practicing in a district of Nepal from February 2020 to April 2020. Convenience sampling was performed to reach the sample size of 142. Data was collected through both self-administered and online questionnaires sent through google forms after ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: IRC/076/077-131). Data analysis was done by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with mean, standard deviation, frequency, and proportion. Results: The mean attitude score regarding dental floss among dentists was 53.77±4.01 (53.11-54.42 at 95% Confidence Interval). Positive attitude was observed in the majority of dentists 120 (84.5%). Twenty-two (15.5%) were found to have a neutral attitude and none of them possessed a negative attitude towards dental floss similar to other studies. Conclusions: Based on results of this study, the mean attitude score regarding dental floss among dentists in our study is similar to the findings of other studies. The majority of dentists were found to have a positive attitude towards dental floss.