KAP Study Regarding the Oral Health

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding the oral health in our community. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Study Place and Study Duration: from January 2016 to June 2018, in Dental Section Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Fatima Jinnah Hospital, Multan and THQ Sillanwali. Material and methods: A total number of 378 patients were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire was developed to gather the information required for the determination of knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the patient towards oral health. The questionnaire comprised of thirty three questions regarding different aspects of oral health care. It involved questions regarding demographic information, knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the patients. Results: Regarding oral care, n=213 (56.3%) used tooth paste, n=260 (68.8%) patients brush once a day, n=178 (47.1%) used vertical technique for brushing. n=138 (36.5%) changed their brush every six months while n=60 (15.9%) changed their brush after one year. n=189 (50%) patients brush their teeth in morning, n=166 (43.9%) brush their teeth for cleaning purpose. n=144 (38.1%) visited to dentist when they felt pain. n=170 (45%) ignore, n=98 (25.9%) go to the dentist and n=110 (29.1%) use home remedies when they felt dental decay. n=239 (63.2%) patients’ family members brush their teeth regularly. Self-medication was observed as n=269 (71.2%). Conclusion: Although majority of the patients had good knowledge about health care but it was not associated with better attitudes, behavior and practicing of healthy habits. It can be suggested that poor socioeconomic conditions of majority of the public and lack of motivation for oral hygiene are the cause of poor behavior, attitude and practicing of dental care. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitudes, Behavior, Oral Health DOI: 10.7176/JMPB/52-1