Knowledge, awareness and attitudes of oral hygiene practices and periodontal diseases among students studying in the field of health

Year 2022, Volume: 5 Issue: 1, 18 - 27, 23.03.2022

Mustafa Karaca , Burcu Bakir

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and attitudes about oral hygiene practices and periodontal diseases among nursing, emergency aid and disaster management (EADM), physiotherapy, first and emergency aid (FEA) students.
Methods: A total of 759 students aged between 18 and 33 were included in the study. Of the students, 166 were enrolled in physiotherapy, 169 in FEA, 120 in EADM and 304 were enrolled in nursing department. Personal data and knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards oral hygiene and periodontal diseases were evaluated using an online questionnaire form consisting of 28 questions. Data obtained were statistically analysed based on p<0.05 and p<0.01 significance levels.
Results: It was determined that physiotherapy students brushed their teeth more often (74.3%) and changed their toothbrushes more frequently (46.1%) compared to other departments (p<0.05). Compared to other students, EADM students were more aware of the effect of dental plaque on gingival diseases (49.6%) and flossed daily at a higher rate (17.6%). It was found that the nursing students had the highest level of knowledge about the symptoms of gingival diseases. FEA students knew more than other departments that smoking was a risk factor for gingival diseases (87.5%). In addition, no significant differences were found between first and last year students in terms of knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards periodontal diseases.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of students studying in the field of health about oral hygiene practices and periodontal diseases should be improved.

Keywords

periodontal disease, oral and dental health, awareness

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