Knowledge and Practice Regarding Periodontal Health / Disease and Oral Hygiene among Medical, Ayurveda and Homeopathy Undergraduate Students of Yenepoya University, Mangalore - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND The attitude towards oral health reflects the overall health. Knowledge of health care professionals and their attitudes toward oral care corresponds to their understanding of the importance of preventive dental procedure and improving the oral health of patients. We wanted to assess the knowledge and practice regarding periodontal health / disease and oral hygiene among medical, ayurveda and homeopathy undergraduate students of Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University) (YU) and also determine their attitude and awareness towards oral health. METHODS The data related to their knowledge and practice towards the oral health was assembled using a self administered, validated questionnaire containing 13 questions which had multiple choice answers. The questionnaire was distributed through Google form among 341 medical, ayurveda and homeopathy undergraduate students of YU aged more than 17 years. RESULTS Survey responses were downloaded onto Google sheets and the data collected were coded, entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 23 (Chicago, USA). Majority of study participants in different colleges showed lack of knowledge and practice regarding oral hygiene practices. To compare the mean scores of three colleges under YU for knowledge based and practice questions, ANOVA was performed. There was no significant difference found in knowledge and practice towards oral hygiene among medical, ayurveda and homeopathy colleges of YU. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Professional health care students who will be the future backbone of the community health care have limited knowledge on periodontal disease and oral hygiene practices. There is no difference in knowledge and practices regarding oral hygiene among the students of medical, ayurveda and homeopathy colleges of YU. It highlights the need of incorporating oral health education in University curriculum for non dental students during their study period. KEY WORDS Knowledge, Practice, Periodontal Disease, Oral Hygiene Practices, Non-Dental Students, Oral Health Education