Oral Health Knowledge and Dental Check up among University Students from Palestine
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Date
2015-05-25
Authors
Areej Sabri
Fida’ Sawafta
Huda Barbarawi
Ruba Al-Omari
Tahani Hamaydeh
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Abstract
Background:Dental caries and other dental diseases have been experienced by most of adults and many of students, and they are considered to be public health problems due to their high significant and social impact. Having enough knowledge regarding periodontal diseases and dental related issues can influence regular dental care and maintaining good oral health which are essential to general health and wellbeing.
Purpose:The main purpose of this study is to assess oral health behavior, oral health knowledge and practice among An-Najah National University students.
Method: It is a cross sectional study,conducted at An-Najah National University. Students who were participated were from all faculties of the university and from most Palestinian provinces. The data were collected during the period of September to December in 2015. For data analysis, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS - version 16) program was used.
Results:The study sample was composed of 422 participants. Around 92.7% of students use toothbrush. Also most of students (59.5%) visited the dentist when they have a pain, 40.0% of students spent one minute on brushing, and 79.4% brushed their teeth in the morning. Almost most of students 55.9% ate sweet 2-4 times daily, on the other hand, most of students 25.4% never drink soft drinks. The majority of students 73% don't use dental floss, and 59.1% of students have no problem to brush their teeth, and 50.9% of them change their toothbrush after 1-3 months from time when buy it, and 76.1% clean their teeth to have a good appearance with bright teeth. Female students significantly have higher knowledge score than males (10 (8 – 12) versus 9 (8 – 11), P < 0.001). Regarding students' faculties, students from Faculty of Medicine and health sciences have the highest knowledge of periodontal diseases compared to other students significantly 12 (10-13), P < 0.001.
Conclusion:Students' knowledge score of periodontal diseases was moderate to high, female have higher knowledge than males, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences have highest knowledge of periodontal diseases compared to other students significantly.