Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Dental Sciences, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
2. F
Abstract
This study aimed to determine oral health knowledge and practices among first-year undergraduates of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and to compare the same among students of the health related (HRF) and non-health-related (NHRF) faculties. Data was collected from 504 students across eight faculties using an online questionnaire prior to commencing discipline-based academic programs. Mean scores for oral health knowledge and practices were 62.56±10.68 and 71.89±15.4, respectively. HRF students showed significantly higher scores for both parameters than NHRF students. Oral health knowledge was associated positively with age, parental education and female gender. Unsatisfactory knowledge scores were observed regarding inter-dental cleaning aids and awareness of oral health toward systemic health. The results revealed, undergraduates exposed to health-related subjects in their school career had better oral health knowledge and practices. Thus, incorporation of health studies for all students in school curricula is important. The level of knowledge and practices could be lower among young adults in the general population as the study sample consisted of only the highest achievers among the young adults. Therefore, oral health education programs are recommended to address knowledge deficits, increase awareness of interdental cleaning and the influence of oral health on systemic diseases.
Publisher
IP Innovative Publication Pvt Ltd
Reference12 articles.
1. Bashiru BO, Omotola OE, Oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior of medical, pharmacy and nursing students at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.J Oral Res Rev 2016;8(2):66-71
2. Oral Health Knowledge of Periodontal Disease among University Students
3. Ekanayake SL, Oral Health Status, Treatment Needs and Oral Health Behavior in First Year Dental Students.Sri Lanka Dent J 1997;26(I):26-8
4. Siddiqui M, Sultan A, Mehta A, Juneja A, Career intentions, choices, and motivation of undergraduate dental students toward dentistry.Arch Med Health Sci 2022;10(1):136-40
5. Sharda AJ, Shetty S, A comparative study of oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour of non-medical, para-medical and medical students in Udaipur city.Int J Dent Hyg 2010;8(2):101-9