Abstract
To assess self-reported oral health attitudes and behavior among undergraduate dental and medical students, and to analyze the variations in oral health attitudes based on gender, level of education, study discipline, academic average, and type of university. A self-administered questionnaire based on the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) was distributed to 1269 undergraduate dental and medical students at two universities (one public and one private) in Sana'a, Yemen. Overall, the mean questionnaire score for the total sample was markedly low (4.91±1.58), with no significant difference between dental and medical students (P>0.05). Females had better oral health attitudes and behavior, especially towards visiting the dentist, tooth-brushing habits and oral hygiene practices (P<0.05). Students attending the public university had better oral health attitudes and behaviors than those attending the private university (P=0.049). On the other hand, no significant associations were observed between students' oral health attitudes/behavior and level of education and academic performance (P>0.05). Yemeni dental and medical students have shown markedly poor oral health attitude and behavior. Further studies are required to reveal possible shortcoming in these schools' education process. Dental and medical curricula should emphasize the importance of proper oral hygiene, and further participation of medical and dental students in oral hygiene seminars is highly encouraged.
Highlights
Attitude is a mirror of individuals’ beliefs, experiences, perception of the cultures, and social interactions
Dental and medical curricula should emphasize the importance of proper oral hygiene, and further participation of medical and dental students in oral hygiene seminars is highly encouraged
Positive health attitude means positive health behavior. This applies to a great extent to oral health attitude and is of paramount importance when it relates to oral health professionals (Park, 2005)
Summary
Attitude is a mirror of individuals’ beliefs, experiences, perception of the cultures, and social interactions. It is considered an essential prerequisite for health related behaviors. Dental and medical students, the future professionals, who will specialize in treatment of diseases as well as in preventive services, should have a good oral health knowledge and attitude and endorse to the expert recommendations. In their daily practices, these students examine a huge number of patients of different age groups and diverse backgrounds. With appropriate oral health knowledge and behavior, they can act as role models for these patients and play a positive role in improving oral health condition of the general population
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