Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding oral health among adults visting dental clinic: A multi center questionnaire study

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of adults reporting to dental clinic in three different cities of Tamilnadu. Study was conducted on adults of age 20-30 years reporting to private dental clinic, willing to participate, in three cities of Madurai, Chennai and Thoothukudi. 900 subjects, 300 in each clinic, filled a self-administrable questionnaire with 15 pretested questions each to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding oral health. Results regarding practice, 73.2% brushed once, 26.5% brushed twice daily. Frequency of dental visits - 7.7% had regular checkups, 18.7% had their first visit and 73.4% visited when they had dental problem. 95.7% subjects used manual brush with toothpaste and 3 % used with toothpowder. Usage of powered toothbrush was very minimal. 17.1% regularly used additional hygiene aids like flossing, 30.2% used occasionally, 52.6% never used them. Chennai scored better in knowledge, practice and in usage of hygiene aids. Madurai subjects showed marginally better attitude towards oral health. Thoothukudi subjects lagged behind in all three variables. Females scored better than males in knowledge and practices. Positive Pearson's correlation was found between all three variables. There was statistically significant difference in knowledge, attitude and practice in different cities.