Assessment of oral health knowledge among the medical graduates of private and government colleges: a cross-sectional survey

Akhila Vanga; Srinivasulu Gomasani

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20241821

Authors

Akhila Vanga Narayana Dental College and Hospitals, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
Srinivasulu Gomasani Department of Public Health Dentistry, Narayana Dental College and Hospitals, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20241821

Keywords:

Oral health, Dental caries, Knowledge, Medical students

Abstract

Background: General health and oral health are interconnected, with oral health being a fundamental component. It is critical for life long human well-being. Oral health issues pose a significant concern for public health. Medical students should also have better knowledge of oral hygiene so that they can provide oral health education and guidance to their patients when requested. Many people seek medical care from their primary care provider for oral health problems. Therefore, doctors must have sufficient knowledge about oral health and play an important role in promoting oral health. This study aimed to assess the oral health knowledge of medical graduates from private and government colleges in Nellore, India.

Methods: A Cross-sectional study using a pre-designed survey consisting of 25 questions with Likert scale options. The study included medical graduates from all private and government colleges. Questions about oral health issues and their relationship to overall health. Data was collected, compiled, and analyzed using the chi-square test.

Results: Compared to government medical college students, 83.8% of private college students believe that dental caries and periodontal diseases are plaque-mediated diseases. 90.3% of government medical college students agree with the statement "tobacco is only the risk factor for oral cancer" compared to private college students.

Conclusions: Medical students lack awareness of oral health issues. Frequently, oral health concerns are neglected as they focus on classroom dynamics and students’ behavior.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Kumar H, Behura SS, Ramachandra S, Nishat R, Dash KC, Mohiddin G. Oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among dental and medical students in Eastern India-A comparative study. J Int Soci Prev Commu Dentis. 2017;7(1):58.

Petersen PE, Bourgeois D, Ogawa H, Estupinan-Day S, Ndiaye C. The global burden of oral diseases and risks to oral health. Bull World Health Organ. 2005;83(9):661-9.

Kumar S. Oral hygiene awareness among two non professional college students in Chennai, India-A pilot study. Oral Hyg. 2012;5:31-6.

Sujatha BK, Yavagal PC, Gomez MS. Assessment of oral health awareness among undergraduate Medical Students in Davangere city: A cross-sectional survey. J Ind Assoc Publ Heal Dentis. 2014;12(1):43-6.

Kishore NKM. Public health implications of oral health — inequity in India. J Advan Oral Res. 2010;1(1):1-10.

Ramirez JH, Arce R, Contreras A. Why must physicians know about oral diseases? Teaching Learn Medi. 2010;22(2):148-55.

Sujatha BK, Yavagal PC, Nagesh L, Gomez MSS. A study of oral health awareness among undergraduate medical students in davangere city - a cross sectional survey. Ind J Pub Heal Res Developm. 2015;6(2):243.

Baseer MA, Alenazy MS, Alasqah M, Algabbani M, Mehkari A. Oral health knowledge, attitude and practices among health professionals in King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh. Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2012;9(4):386 92.

Al-Ansari J, Honkala E, Honkala S. Oral health knowledge and behavior among male health sciences college students in Kuwait. BMC Oral Health. 2003;3(1).

Ozyemisci-Cebeci N, Unver S, Nemli SK. A comparative study of oral health attitudes and behaviours in dental students. J Dent App. 2014;1:3-7.