Oral health awareness, attitude and oral hygiene practice among nursing students of apollo school of nursing mizoram.

Abstract

The WHO 2010 reported connection between oral wellbeing and general wellbeing, with common risk factors including poor diet, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. People who suffer from general health problems (diabetes, HIV) are more likelihood to have oral diseases (periodontal diseases) that, in turn, further complicate their overall health.Thus, oral health is an integral part of general wellbeing . One of the many barriers to quality oral healthcare includes a lack of attention to oral health by non-dental health care professionals (e.g., nurses, pharmacists). Nurses, being the primary health care provider to the patients, play an important role in health sector. Aside from dental professional, nurses are an integral part in health promotion and preventive information dissemination, therefore it is important that oral health knowledge should be good to decrease poor oral health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess oral health knowledge, attitude and oral hygiene practices among nursing student of Apollo School of Nursing , Mizoram.A Questionnaire study was conducted among 150 students of Apollo School of Nursing Mizoram. A self administered structured questionnaire containing oral hygiene knowledge and awareness, attitude and oral hygiene practices questions was distributed . Their response were analyzed and their knowledge and awareness, attitude and oral hygiene practice level(KAP) were evaluated. Statistical Analysis was done by calculating the mean of the KAP level (%) . The present study showed good oral hygiene practices and fair knowledge of oral health among nursing students of Apollo School of Nursing Mizoram