Abstract
Introduction Despite a broad public awareness of the need for good oral health, periodontitis is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. One explanation might be that people lack specific knowledge about the disease enabling them to proper oral health behavior. The present study aimed to assess the current periodontitis-related knowledge of the German population.Methods/Design Former participants of the 5th German Oral Health Study (n = 333 16-year-olds, n = 307 39-48-year-olds, n = 332 69-78-year-olds) answered open-ended (OEQs), single- (SCQs) and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) regarding periodontal diseases and oral hygiene behavior in a computer assisted telephone interview provided by professional interviewers.OEQs assess active knowledge, SCQs and MCQs help to identify passive knowledge (correct answers) and specific misconceptions (wrong answers). Answer frequencies and effect sizes of group differences (Cramer’s V) are presented.Results Active knowledge regarding the definition, risk-factors, consequences and prevention of periodontitis and regarding proper oral hygiene behavior was low. In SCQs and MCQs participants often chose wrong and right answer categories with comparable frequencies.Conclusions Efforts to provide the population with comprehensive information on periodontitis must be intensified. The findings indicate that this educational work should begin at school age but must not end there.
The Association between Educational Achievements, Career Aspirations, Achievement Motives and Oral Hygiene Behavior among Dental Students of Udaipur, India
