Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to test knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of the students from the Bjelovar University of Applied Sciences in relation to oral health, and to determine the respectable differences between students of nursing and technical study programs. Materials and Methods Students were randomly selected to represent a convenient sample. A total of 140 students from nursing and technical studies were interviewed by using the World health organization Oral Health Questionnaire, adapted to fit the study purposes. Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics were used to determine frequency distribution and percentages for all variables. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to compare the proportions. A p -value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The distribution of participants regarding gender was significantly different between the study programs ( p = 0.000). Significant difference was also observed in their perceived socioeconomic status ( p = 0.001). A significant difference was found between the study programs regarding the knowledge whether bad teeth could impair general health ( p = 0.001), could tooth decay and periodontal disease may be prevented ( p = 0.002), as well as the importance of regular dental check-ups for prevention of tooth decay ( p = 0.028). There were significant differences regarding dietary habits and alcohol consumption in the past 30 days between the observed study programs ( p = 0.000) while no significant differences were found regarding tobacco and tobacco product use ( p = 0.170). Conclusion Results obtained and presented in this paper show better knowledge and more favorable habits and behaviors among the students from nursing study program compared with the technical ones. Still all students’ habits should be changed to improve oral health. To change attitudes and influence habits, effective oral health promotion programs are needed; not only in colleges, but also in primary and secondary schools.
Highlights
World health organization (WHO) describes oral health as a state of complete well-being and functional ability of the teeth and their supporting tissues required for chewing, talking, and esthetics.[1]
Results obtained and presented in this paper show better knowledge and more favorable habits and behaviors among the students from nursing study program compared with the technical ones
Numerous investigations confirmed that reduced intake of alcoholic beverages and reduction of tobacco consumption may significantly reduce the risk of oral carcinoma development.[13,14,15]
Summary
World health organization (WHO) describes oral health as a state of complete well-being and functional ability of the teeth and their supporting tissues required for chewing, talking, and esthetics.[1]. Attitude determines our tendencies of behaving in a certain way.[8,9] Both behavior and attitudes are acquired during one’s life and as such may have either positive or negative effect They may be changed and modified by acquisition of knowledge, in this case on the importance of oral health. Many epidemiological investigations demonstrate a connection between environmental and behavioral factors, which may have detrimental effects on health and lead to development of oral diseases.[10,11] Tooth decay and periodontal diseases are considered as behavioral diseases and may be controlled by altering or modifying certain aspects of lifestyle, in particular adequate maintenance of oral hygiene. Numerous investigations confirmed that reduced intake of alcoholic beverages and reduction of tobacco consumption may significantly reduce the risk of oral carcinoma development.[13,14,15] Knowledge of the importance of oral health and risk factors for development of oral diseases may have a strong effect on one’s behavior and attitudes, with students being the perfect target group since theirs is the very age when most of the behavior and attitudes are defined.[14,15,16,17] It is feasible that students in healthcare sector will have greater scope of knowledge on health issues, since their very choice of future profession means that they are aware of the importance of human health, and the need to participate actively in providing help to others
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