Perception Pertaining to Oral and Systemic Health: A Mixed Method Model

Abstract

Background: Oral health is an indispensible part of general health is an often ignored by masses including health care personnel. There have been health policies launched by the government recently including oral care but to what extent the people are aware of these policies are yet to be assessed. Aim: To assess the oral health status and perception pertaining to link between oral and systemic health, Ayushman Bharath Yojana and the concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) amongst the people visiting the exhibition on 64th Institute Day, AIIMS, New Delhi, India. Materials and Methods: People who came to the dental booth at the exhibition over a period of 3 days from 25th September 2019 to 27th September 2019, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data collection was performed through clinical examination and open ended questionnaire for the assessment of perception regarding association between oral health and systemic health, concept of Universal Health Coverage and Ayushman Bharath Yojana. Result: Mean DMFT score was found to be 2.6 ± 3.4, 41.3% had bleeding on probing, 2.8% showed dental trauma and 2% had dental fluorosis. Nearly 73.6% felt that oral health does affect general health. Majority of the study population was not aware of the concept of UHC. Around 60% participants were aware of the Ayushman Bharath Yojana. Conclusion: The study findings conclude the need to spread awareness amongst masses about government health policies and effects of oral health on general health.