Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of undergraduate students at a South African University of Technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (06) ◽  
pp. 322-330
Author(s):  
Feziwe Flora Mbele-Kokela ◽  
Rajeshree Moodley
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Life Sciences ◽  
Oral Health Care ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Awareness of oral health is essential for developing healthy habits, and a correlation between improved knowledge and better oral health has been shown to exist. Health-related behaviours are more likely to be followed if a person has greater control over their health with a better understanding of diseases and their aetiology. To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral health care among undergraduate students in the Life Sciences Department at a University of Technology, Free State. This descriptive study gives insights into the oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Department of Life Sciences at a University of Technology. Data were collected using an online questionnaire eliciting quantitative and qualitative data. The results revealed that most of the participants, 80% (n=178) understood that oral health is essential to their overall wellbeing. Overall, in this research, the findings of oral health education were found not to be covered. However, we found that variations in the source of dental information were correlated with university students’ oral health behaviour. The study, therefore, concludes that oral health care knowledge, attitudes and practices are affected by education and show that advocacy for the promotion of oral health is significant for the students.

scholarly journals Oral Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Primary Oral Health Care Dentists in Kuwait

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1531-1536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huda Nazar ◽  
Maddi Shyama ◽  
Jitendra Ariga ◽  
Mohamed El-Salhy ◽  
Pramod Soparkar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Oral Health Care ◽  
Cancer Knowledge ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Oral Health and Oral Care Among Nursing Staff at a Mental Health Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia: A Questionnaire-based Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-44
Author(s):  
Amal Adnan Ashour
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Oral Health Care ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Mental Health Hospital ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Health Hospital

Background and Aim: Nurses are the principal oral healthcare providers for hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses at a mental health hospital in Saudi Arabia regarding oral health care of the hospitalized patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used in which 247 nursing staff completed a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic information, knowledge, and practices regarding oral health maintenance of patients and their attitudes toward oral health care of psychiatric patients. The chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to examine group differences. Results: A total of 247 (136 males and 111 females) nursing staff were involved in the survey with the mean age of 26 ± 32 years. Results showed significant gender differences in knowledge and practices, but no gender differences in attitudes. Male nurses were more likely to look at teeth and gums for signs of a healthy mouth (male = 97.8%, female = 95.5%, P = .04), used toothpaste to clean the patient’s teeth (male = 52.9%, female = 50.5%, P = .03), and believed that HIV/AIDS patients are at risk of developing oral health problems (male = 50.7%, female = 43.2%, P = .04). Nurses had more knowledge than nurse technicians regarding gum disease and dental abscesses ( P = .0001). Nursing staff with over five years of experience were more likely to agree about the need for the oral health care of hospitalized patients. Conclusion: The results emphasize the need for training of healthcare workers about the importance of oral health and considering oral health care as a patient’s rights rather than privilege.

Oral Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Listening to Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 238008442110126
Author(s):  
J.L.P. Protudjer ◽  
C. Billedeau ◽  
K. Hurst ◽  
R. Schroth ◽  
C. Stavropoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Oral Care ◽  
Oral Health Care ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Health Maintenance

Introduction: Rates of periodontal disease and tooth loss are increased in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Understanding factors that contribute to the increased burden of periodontal disease in RA is critical to improving oral health and arthritis outcomes. Objectives: To determine the perceptions held by people with RA relating to their oral health, to identify patient-centered priorities for oral health research, and to inform optimal strategies for delivering oral health knowledge. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients with RA. Recorded interview transcripts were iteratively reviewed to reveal surface and latent meaning and to code for themes. Constructs were considered saturated when no new themes were identified in subsequent interviews. We report themes with representative quotes. Results: Interviews were conducted with 11 individuals with RA (10 women [91%]; mean age, 68 y), all of whom were taking RA medication. Interviews averaged 19 min (range, 8 to 31 min) and were mostly conducted face-to-face. Three overall themes were identified: 1) knowledge about arthritis and oral health links; 2) oral health care in RA is complicated, both in personal hygiene practices and in professional oral care; and 3) poor oral health is a source of shame. Participants preferred to receive oral health education from their rheumatologists or dentists. Conclusions: People with RA have unique oral health perceptions and experience significant challenges with oral health care due to their arthritis. Adapting oral hygiene recommendations and professional oral care delivery to the needs of those with arthritis are patient priorities and are required to improve satisfaction regarding their oral health. Knowledge Translation Statement: Patients living with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis described poor oral health–related quality of life and multiple challenges with maintaining optimal oral health. Study findings indicate a need for educational materials addressing oral health maintenance for patients with rheumatic diseases and their providers.

scholarly journals Higher Education students from health and non-health subject areas: aspects of oral health

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Rodrigues de FARIAS ◽  
Rui Barbosa de BRITO JUNIOR ◽  
Arlete Maria Gomes OLIVEIRA ◽  
Luciane ZANIN ◽  
Flávia Martão FLÓRIO
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Group Treatment ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Health Group ◽  
Bad Breath

ABSTRACT Objetive To evaluate whether the area of study of undergraduate students influences oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices, in addition to the use of dental services, self-reported oral morbidity, self-perception and impacts of oral health. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed, with a probabilistic sample of 681 students from the second semester of a Higher Education Institution, who were allocated into Health (H; n = 347) and Non-Health (NH; n = 334) groups, and answered a questionnaire encompassing their sociodemographic profile and aspects of oral health. Data were analyzed by Fisher’s Chi-Square/Exact Test (α = 5%). Results The majority of students were female (H = 70.0%, NH = 56.9%, p = 0.0004), single (H = 82.7%, NH = 76.0%, p = 0.0429) and did not work (H = 30.5%, NH = 37.7%, p = 0.0482). The groups differed in terms of receiving oral health guidelines from the media (H = 19.9%, NH = 13.8%, p = 0.0333) or from other health professionals (H = 25.6%, NH = 13.2%, p <0.0001). Regarding the reasons for their most recent dental appointment, in the Health group “treatment” (42.9%) and “pain” (6.9%) prevailed, while for the Non-Health group “review, prevention or check-up” (41, 9%) and “extraction” (8.1%) (p = 0.0169) were the most prevalent. The Health group was more satisfied with their oral health, with less frequent reports of a self-perception of bad breath (H = 30.3%, NH = 38.3%, p = 0.0483). There was no association between self-perception and impacts on oral health (p> 0.05). Conclusions The groups differed regarding the source of information on oral health, the reason for seeking and type of treatment, and the self-perception of bad breath, with the Health group reporting greater satisfaction with their oral health.

Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of individuals with diabetes mellitus in the Sultanate of Oman

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr.Noora Ibrahim Saleh AlShihi ◽  
Dr.Noor Al Busaidi ◽  
Dr.Abdulhakeem Al Rawahi ◽  
Dr.Raya Al Jahdhami ◽  
Dr.Rayan Al Riyami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Sultanate Of Oman ◽  
Oral Health Knowledge ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Oral Health Knowledge of Pregnant Women on Pregnancy Gingivitis and Children's Oral Health

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Zhong ◽  
KN Ma ◽  
YS Wong ◽  
Y So ◽  
PC Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Oral Health Care ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Children’S Oral Health ◽  
Childhood Caries

Objective: Pregnancy gingivitis and early childhood caries remain prevalent in Hong Kong. The aim of this study was to assess pregnant women's knowledge and beliefs related to pregnancy gingivitis and children's oral health. Study design: An outreach survey was carried out in a clinic that provided antenatal examination. A written oral health questionnaire related to pregnancy gingivitis and early childhood caries was administered to pregnant women. Of the 106 pregnant women who enrolled in the study, 100 completed the questionnaires. Results: Among the 100 subjects, only 39% correctly identified that hormonal changes contribute to pregnancy gingivitis. Only 36% identified red and swollen gums as signs of gingivitis. Furthermore, 53% of the surveyed pregnant women were not sure about the amount of toothpaste to administer to a child aged 18 months to 5 years. Almost 50% assumed that a replanted avulsed tooth would probably not survive within a short extra-alveolar period of less than 60 minutes. Conclusion: Prenatal women generally lack knowledge of a common oral disease that occurs during pregnancy and of what constitutes adequate oral health care for children. Oral health care education should be implemented as part of a prenatal care program.

scholarly journals Qualitative Study on Perception of Antenatal Mothers towards Oral Health Care: In-depth interview

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noorhazayti Ab. Halim ◽  
Rashidah Esa ◽  
Md Muziman Syah
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Oral Health Care ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Health Practices ◽  
Oral Health Knowledge ◽  
Oral Health Practices

Introduction: Attending regular dental check-up is very important to pregnant women. However, many women do not utilize oral healthcare services during the antenatal period. It had been reported in Health Information Management System report (MOH, 2007) that the attendance of antenatal mothers to dental clinic were unsatisfactory. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the perception of antenatal mothers towards oral health care. Materials and Methods: In-depth interviews were carried out with a convenience sampling of 20 antenatal mothers across three government health clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. The interview using guided questions which explored participant’s oral health knowledge, attitude and oral health practice. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by thematic analysis. The interviews were carried out until the saturation of information were achieved. Results: The main themes emerging from the data related to low oral health knowledge, poor attitude and oral health practices during pregnancy. Although all participants have basic knowledge of dental caries development, however, many of them unaware of the significance of preventive dental visits during pregnancy. Poor attitudes and oral health practices among antenatal mothers in this study were due to they had not received the necessary oral health information. Conclusion: Antenatal mother’s perception of oral health care crucially impacts on oral health status, continuity of utilization of oral healthcare services and hence pregnancy outcome. Their views provided a baseline information for planning and formulating appropriate oral health education and promotion strategies.

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