Assessment of Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in India: Systematic Review

Abstract

WHO reported approximately 3.5 billion people were affected by oral health problems. It poses a major health burden for countries, affects them throughout their life time, if left untreated as reported by global burden of diseases 2017 and might lead to death. Studies have been reported about oral health knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) but review of the results all over India has not been conducted. Study’s aim is to find out the oral health KAP in India. Methodology involved the (PRISMA) technique for reporting this systematic review. Criterial for inclusion was: 1) literatures published in English. 2) Within five years 2016–2020. 3) Study period was from November–April 2020. 4) Conducted only within India for all ages. 5) Reviewed KAP of all studies on oral health. 6) Descriptive analysis was implored and there was no restriction on the quality and study settings. In this study, 21 articles were finally included with total of 9121 participants conducted from 11 states in India. Five articles did not specify the state they conducted the study. Study review found majority of participants not knowledgeable (62%), had negative attitude and practice needs serious improvement in relations to their oral health. They barely received education on the oral health knowledge and more specifically the vulnerable population. The prevalence of these indicators was outlined in the table format and majority of the population (95%) lacked oral health practice. Therefore, it is imperative that there should be information, education and counselling (IEC) programs on the oral health KAP involving the health risks frequently to bridge the gaps. Avert future problems and policy inclusion at all levels for sustainable development. Future research should look into conducting quality intervention research study on oral health KAP and disease prevalence in the country.