Original Article
VOLUME: 40 | ISSUE: 1 | Mar 15, 2024 | PAGE: (26 - 31) | DOI: 10.24911/BioMedica/5-1146
Assessment of Oral Health Behavior, Knowledge, and Practice Among Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students of Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Pakistan
Authors: Oullayia Haram Jehan , Dr. Farzeen Khan , Aqsa Manahil Jehan , Dr. Muhammad Yousaf
Article Info
Authors
Oullayia Haram Jehan
Student, Peshawar Dental College, Riphah International University, Pakistan.
Dr. Farzeen Khan
Asst Prof, Community & Preventive Dentistry Dept, Peshawar Dental College, Riphah International University, Pakistan.
Aqsa Manahil Jehan
House Officer, Peshawar Dental College, Riphah International University, Pakistan.
Dr. Muhammad Yousaf
Asst Prof, Dept of Community & Preventive Dentistry, Bacha Khan College of Dentistry, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Pakistan.
Publication History
Received: January 08, 2024
Revised: February 17, 2024
Accepted: March 10, 2024
Published: March 15, 2024
Abstract
Background and Objective: Oral health is integral to overall well-being and the desired knowledge, positive behavior and optimal practices regarding oral health among medical and dental students are crucial in their roles as healthcare professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior, knowledge, and practice of undergraduate medical and dental students regarding oral health.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and dental undergraduate students of Peshawar Dental College, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data collection involved distributing a three-part questionnaire to 385 participants on-site, ensuring convenience and consistency. Participants were required to provide voluntary consent, and statistical analysis using the latest software-generated descriptive statistics to summarize responses, including frequencies and percentages.
Results: A total of 49.6% of students believed in brushing after meals, 41.3% associated excess food consumption with dental caries, and 62.6% recognized bleeding gums as a sign of inflammation. In addition, 55.6% thought regular brushing prevents all dental problems. Notably, 91.9% acknowledged sugar’s role in tooth decay, while 88.1% linked dental plaque with caries. Most participants (87.8%) believed fluorides strengthen teeth, and 89.6% recognized a link between overall body health and oral health. The majority (51.9%) brushed their teeth twice daily, with popular additional methods being mouthwash (31.4%) and Miswak (30.4%). In addition, 50.9% adhered to the recommended 2-minute brushing duration. Dietary habits varied, with 44.7% consuming sweets 2-4 times daily, and soft drink consumption being reported once a week (51.2%). A total of 8.1% of students admitted to smoking.
Conclusion: The study reveals both strengths and areas for improvement in oral health behaviors among medical and dental undergraduates. While many students adhere to recommended brushing practices, there is a need to enhance their knowledge and education on oral hygiene, brushing duration, and dietary habits. Tailored interventions are essential to promote healthier behaviors ensuring their preparedness to deliver comprehensive oral healthcare in the future.
Keywords: Oral health, behavior, knowledge, KAP, medical students, dental students
Pubmed Style
Oullayia Haram Jehan, Dr. Farzeen Khan, Aqsa Manahil Jehan, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf. Assessment of Oral Health Behavior, Knowledge, and Practice Among Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students of Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Pakistan. BioMedica. 2024; 15 (March 2024): 26-31. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1146
Web Style
Oullayia Haram Jehan, Dr. Farzeen Khan, Aqsa Manahil Jehan, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf. Assessment of Oral Health Behavior, Knowledge, and Practice Among Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students of Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Pakistan. https://biomedicapk.com/articles/online_first/1146 [Access: April 29, 2024]. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1146
AMA (American Medical Association) Style
Oullayia Haram Jehan, Dr. Farzeen Khan, Aqsa Manahil Jehan, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf. Assessment of Oral Health Behavior, Knowledge, and Practice Among Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students of Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Pakistan. BioMedica. 2024; 15 (March 2024): 26-31. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1146
Vancouver/ICMJE Style
Oullayia Haram Jehan, Dr. Farzeen Khan, Aqsa Manahil Jehan, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf. Assessment of Oral Health Behavior, Knowledge, and Practice Among Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students of Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Pakistan. BioMedica. (2024), [cited April 29, 2024]; 15 (March 2024): 26-31. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1146
Harvard Style
Oullayia Haram Jehan, Dr. Farzeen Khan, Aqsa Manahil Jehan, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf (2024) Assessment of Oral Health Behavior, Knowledge, and Practice Among Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students of Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Pakistan. BioMedica, 15 (March 2024): 26-31. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1146
Chicago Style
Oullayia Haram Jehan, Dr. Farzeen Khan, Aqsa Manahil Jehan, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf. "Assessment of Oral Health Behavior, Knowledge, and Practice Among Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students of Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Pakistan." 15 (2024), 26-31. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1146
MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style
Oullayia Haram Jehan, Dr. Farzeen Khan, Aqsa Manahil Jehan, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf. "Assessment of Oral Health Behavior, Knowledge, and Practice Among Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students of Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Pakistan." 15.March 2024 (2024), 26-31. Print. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1146
APA (American Psychological Association) Style
Oullayia Haram Jehan, Dr. Farzeen Khan, Aqsa Manahil Jehan, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf (2024) Assessment of Oral Health Behavior, Knowledge, and Practice Among Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students of Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Pakistan. , 15 (March 2024), 26-31. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1146