Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate oral health (OH) and periodontal diseases (PD) awareness in the Iraqi population.Material and methodsThis study was a questionnaire‐based online survey of two weeks duration. The questionnaire was built using a Google platform and was distributed randomly via social media (Facebook and Telegram). The questionnaire consisted of a demographic data section and two other main sections for the evaluation of OH and PD awareness. Each response was marked with “1” for a positive answer and “0” for the other answers. For each respondent, answers were summed to give an overall score. The frequency of positive responses was used to determine the association of awareness with demographic data and the level of awareness into low, moderate, and high levels.ResultsA total of 1,465 were included in the final analysis after application of exclusion criteria. The respondents showed significantly higher levels of awareness about PD (mean ± SD = 3.66 ± 1.42) than OH awareness (mean ± SD = 2.19 ± 1.29). Analysis of data showed that OH awareness was mainly associated with high degree holders (OR 1.851) and age > 45 years (OR 1.730). However, PD awareness did not show any evident association with demographic variables investigated. In general, the respondents exhibited low levels of OH knowledge and low to moderate level of PD knowledge.ConclusionsDespite limitations, this study revealed inappropriate levels of OH and PD awareness and knowledge in the Iraqi population and provided the baseline data necessary for the development of Governmental educational programs and health awareness campaigns which are highly suggested particularly focusing on the primary and high schools, in an attempt to improve the levels of awareness.
Highlights
The use of appropriate oral hygiene measures is a key to maintaining a healthy dentition and periodontal tissues
Despite limitations, this study revealed inappropriate levels of oral health (OH) and periodontal diseases (PD) awareness and knowledge in the Iraqi population and provided the baseline data necessary for the development of Governmental educational programs and health awareness campaigns which are highly suggested focusing on the primary and high schools, in an attempt to improve the levels of awareness
As periodontitis progresses to advanced disease it has a major impact on the patient including issues with masticatory function resulting in dietary changes, esthetic concerns, speech difficulties, and self-esteem issues which may result in social exclusion (Ferreira, DiasPereira, Branco-de-Almeida, Martins, & Paiva, 2017; Tonetti, Jepsen, Jin, & Otomo-Corgel, 2017)
Summary
The use of appropriate oral hygiene measures is a key to maintaining a healthy dentition and periodontal tissues. As periodontitis progresses to advanced disease it has a major impact on the patient including issues with masticatory function resulting in dietary changes, esthetic concerns, speech difficulties, and self-esteem issues which may result in social exclusion (Ferreira, DiasPereira, Branco-de-Almeida, Martins, & Paiva, 2017; Tonetti, Jepsen, Jin, & Otomo-Corgel, 2017) Such consequences could be prevented by early intervention to improve oral hygiene (Han & Park, 2017; Lertpimonchai, Rattanasiri, Arj-Ong Vallibhakara, Attia, & Thakkinstian, 2017); the uptake of appropriate oral hygiene practices is related to the degree of awareness and knowledge the subject has about the oral health (OH) care and periodontal diseases (PD). Level of awareness of appropriate OH practices and levels of knowledge about PD seem to be affected by a range of factors including gender, age, profession, educational level, systemic conditions, and smoking (Ehizele, Chiwuzie, & Ofili, 2011; Nyorobi, Carneiro, & Kabulwa, 2018; Oberoi, Mohanty, Mahajan, & Oberoi, 2014; Peltzer & Pengpid, 2014; Umeizudike, Onajole, & Ayanbadej, 2015)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call