Oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among nursing students

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Assessing knowledge, attitude and practices towards oral health among nursing students, visnagar, gujarat
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Dr. Rajesh N. Patel, Dr. Madhusudan Krishna, Dr. Umesh K, Dr. Sangeeta Chavan, Dr. Rahul Patel, Dr. Hiren Patel, Dr. Nidhi Sabhaya, Dr. Avani Bhanushali.


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

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Full text available for: Assessing knowledge, attitude and practices towards oral health among nursing students, visnagar, gujarat

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Oral health is an essential component of overall well-being and reflects broader health issues. The World Health Organization defines health as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease. Oral diseases, categorized as chronic non-communicable diseases, affect a significant portion of the population, emphasizing the necessity for effective oral health education and promotion. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding oral health among nursing students at Nootan College of Nursing in Visnagar, Gujarat, as these future healthcare professionals play a critical role in disseminating health information and promoting oral health.

Importance of Knowledge in Oral Health

One of the key findings of the study was that while 99% of nursing students acknowledged the link between oral health and general health, their specific knowledge regarding dental issues was not as comprehensive. For instance, only 13% identified sweet and sticky food as a cause of dental caries. Furthermore, a worrying 95.3% were unaware of dental fluorosis. This gap in knowledge indicates a need for enhanced education surrounding the causes and preventive measures of oral health issues among the students, to foster a more informed approach as future healthcare providers.

Attitudes Towards Dental Care

The study revealed that a significant portion of nursing students demonstrated a positive attitude towards oral hygiene, with 94.8% believing that oral health-related information should be included in their academic curriculum. Additionally, 52.8% of students reported brushing their teeth twice daily, and 87% gargled after meals. However, despite the overall positive attitude, only 44% had visited a dentist in the past, primarily believing in seeking dental care only when necessary. This indicates a disparity between knowledge, attitudes, and actual behaviors regarding proactive dental care, suggesting that educational initiatives should emphasize the importance of regular dental visits.

Oral Health Practices and Findings

In terms of practical habits, the study showed that a majority of the nursing students (97.4%) used toothpaste and toothbrushes, and many practiced tongue cleaning and gargling after meals. The examination of their oral health revealed a prevalence of dental caries at 65.8%, with 57% exhibiting varying degrees of gingivitis. The findings indicated good oral health practices among nursing students, but also highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly regarding frequency of dental visits and comprehensive knowledge of oral health conditions.

Conclusion

The assessment of oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among nursing students at Nootan College indicates a considerable correlation between knowledge and proactive health behaviors, yet exposed crucial gaps in specific areas of oral health education. While nursing students recognize the significance of oral health, their knowledge on certain conditions, such as dental fluorosis, remains inadequate. The study underscores the necessity for targeted educational programs in oral health to enhance students’ competency in this domain, ultimately benefiting their future roles in healthcare and improving community health outcomes.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the objective of the study conducted by Rajesh et al.?

The study aimed to assess oral health-related knowledge, attitude, and practices among students at Nootan College of Nursing in Visnagar, Gujarat.

How many nursing students participated in this oral health study?

A total of 193 nursing students participated in the cross-sectional study conducted from April 7 to April 28, 2015.

What percentage of nursing students knew dental caries was caused by poor hygiene?

About 71% of the nursing students knew that dental caries results from poor oral hygiene practices.

What oral hygiene practices did the nursing students commonly follow?

The majority of students, 52.8%, reported brushing their teeth twice daily, and 94.8% stated they clean their tongue after brushing.

What conclusions were drawn regarding oral health knowledge among nursing students?

It was concluded that nursing students showed a positive attitude towards oral health, recognizing the importance of including oral health education in their curriculum.

What were the findings regarding dental examinations among the nursing students?

The study indicated a 65.8% prevalence of dental caries, and a significant number exhibited different grades of dental fluorosis and gingivitis.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among nursing students”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
The study investigates nursing students' oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices at Nootan College of Nursing. Understanding these aspects is crucial for promoting dental health among future healthcare professionals. The findings highlight gaps in knowledge and areas for improvement in dental education, influencing health outcomes in the community.

2) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding and information nursing students possess about oral health. The study highlights the participants' level of awareness regarding dental diseases, treatment methods, and hygiene practices. Enhancing knowledge is critical for nursing students as it enables them to propagate oral health awareness in their future professional roles.

3) Disease:
Disease encompasses oral health issues such as dental caries and gingivitis, significant global public health concerns. Understanding the prevalence and implications of these diseases is essential for nursing students. Their awareness can lead to better patient care and effective health promotion strategies within the community they serve.

4) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene is integral to the study, focusing on oral hygiene practices among nursing students. The assessment of their brushing techniques, frequency, and use of dental aids reflects their understanding of personal and patient hygiene. Good oral hygiene practices prevent diseases and promote overall health, emphasizing the need for education.

5) Table:
Tables in the study display quantitative data regarding knowledge, practices, and attitudes among nursing students towards oral health. These visual representations facilitate comparison and analysis of responses, illustrating trends in knowledge gaps, assessment of practices, and overall attitudes toward oral hygiene, thereby guiding future educational interventions.

6) Visit:
Visit pertains to the consultation of dental professionals by nursing students. The study assesses how often these students visit dentists and their reasons for visiting or avoiding dental care. Understanding their attitudes towards dental visits is essential for improving health-seeking behavior and raising awareness about preventive care.

7) Patel:
Patel refers to one of the authors, Dr. Rajesh N. Patel, who conducted the study. As a professional from the Department of Public Health Dentistry, his expertise underpins the research's credibility. Understanding the involvement of qualified professionals enhances the significance and quality of the study's findings.

8) Pain:
Pain relates to dental issues experienced by nursing students, representing a significant aspect of oral health. The study explores students' experiences with toothache and their responses, revealing insights into their attitudes toward seeking treatment. Addressing pain management in oral health education is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.

9) Pur:
Poor refers to the inadequate oral health practices or knowledge observed among nursing students. The study identifies areas where students lack awareness, particularly regarding the causes of dental diseases and preventive measures. Recognizing these deficiencies is vital for designing targeted educational programs for future healthcare professionals.

10) Reason:
Reason pertains to the explanations for students' behaviors regarding dental care, such as visiting the dentist. The study examines factors influencing their decisions to seek or avoid dental treatment, providing insights into their understanding and attitudes, which are essential for addressing barriers to proper oral healthcare.

11) Bleeding:
Bleeding refers to symptoms like gum bleeding, associated with poor oral hygiene and other dental issues. The study sheds light on students' awareness and perceptions regarding gum health, emphasizing the connection between practices, such as brushing techniques, and the occurrence of bleeding, which is crucial for preventive education.

12) Food:
Food relates to dietary impacts on oral health, particularly concerning caries. The study highlights students' awareness that sweet and sticky foods contribute to dental diseases. Identifying this knowledge gap can help develop dietary recommendations and education focused on preventing caries and promoting healthier eating habits among nursing students.

13) Fear:
Fear commonly influences individuals' decisions related to dental health, impacting their willingness to seek care. The study investigates dental anxiety among nursing students, exploring how fear affects their dental visits. Addressing this psychological barrier is essential in formulating strategies to encourage timely dental care and education.

14) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section where the authors interpret their findings and relate them to existing literature. This part of the study helps contextualize the results, exploring implications for nursing education and public health, ultimately contributing to a broader understanding of oral health knowledge and practices.

15) Learning:
Learning is a critical aspect of the study, emphasizing the process through which nursing students acquire oral health knowledge and practices. The need for continued education in oral health is highlighted, suggesting that ongoing learning is essential for their professional development and effective healthcare delivery.

16) India:
India is the geographical context of the study, where oral health awareness and practices among nursing students are evaluated. The unique cultural and healthcare landscape in India influences students' perceptions and practices, making this research significant for improving oral health education and outcomes within the country.

17) Water:
Water may refer to its role in oral health, particularly concerning fluoridation and hydration. Although not extensively covered in the study, understanding how water quality and consumption influence oral health can play a significant role in public health education, particularly in areas experiencing fluorosis or dental issues.

18) Hand:
Hand signifies the active involvement nursing students must take in managing their oral health and the health of others. This concept ties into the broader theme of empowering individuals to take ownership of their health, emphasizing the importance of self-care and education in preventing dental diseases.

19) Life:
Life encompasses the overall wellbeing that oral health contributes to. The link between oral health and general health is emphasized in the study, illustrating how better oral hygiene practices enhance quality of life. Promoting good oral health knowledge directly correlates with improved life quality overall.

20) Education:
Education is foundational in improving nursing students’ understanding of oral health. The study underlines the necessity for integrating oral health topics into nursing curricula to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and practices, fostering a competent healthcare workforce capable of promoting oral health within their communities.

21) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to the specific health considerations for women expecting children concerning dental care. The study examines students' awareness regarding the dental treatment needs of pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate care and education during pregnancy to prevent oral health issues in both mothers and infants.

22) Gujarat:
Gujarat is the specific location where Nootan College of Nursing is situated, reflecting regional implications regarding oral health. Understanding local health challenges and cultural factors is crucial for tailoring public health initiatives, suggesting that findings from this study can significantly impact dental health education in the region.

23) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna refers to Dr. Madhusudan Krishna, one of the authors associated with the study. His professional contributions lend credibility to the research findings. Recognizing all contributors helps in understanding the diverse expertise involved in assessing nursing students' oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices.

24) Quality:
Quality pertains to the standards of oral health education and practices assessed among nursing students. The study evaluates how knowledge influences their approach to dental care, with an emphasis on improving the quality of care provided in clinical settings, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.

25) Raising:
Raising relates to the elevation of awareness about oral health among nursing students through targeted interventions. The findings suggest that enhancing knowledge and attitudes can lead to raising overall community health standards, as nursing students become advocates for better oral health practices in their future careers.

26) Dealing:
Dealing reflects how nursing students confront their own oral health and the health of others. The study suggests that improved understanding and positive attitudes are crucial for effectively addressing oral health issues, impacting how they manage and promote dental care in their professional practice.

27) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes the evidence-based foundation underpinning oral health practices and education. The study's emphasis on scientifically supported information highlights the importance of integrating research into nursing curricula to enhance students' understanding of oral health, ensuring they are equipped to provide informed care.

28) Surface:
Surface may refer to dental surfaces evaluated during oral examinations in the study, such as the DMFS index, which assesses the health of tooth surfaces. Understanding surface health helps in analyzing the prevalence of diseases, contributing valuable data for improving oral health practices.

29) Powder:
Powder may relate to dental cleaning products or alternative hygiene practices such as tooth powder. Although not explicitly discussed in the study, recognizing the use of different oral hygiene products expands the understanding of student practices and could encourage broader discussions on effective oral health maintenance.

30) Filling (Filled):
Filled refers to the condition where dental caries are treated by filling cavities. This aspect of dental treatment was assessed in the study through the DMFS index, emphasizing the importance of students’ understanding of restorative dental procedures and their role in maintaining oral health for patients.

31) Avani:
Avani refers to Dr. Avani Bhanushali, one of the authors of the research study. As a contributor, her expertise is crucial in validating the study's methodology and findings, emphasizing the collaboration of various professionals in evaluating nursing students' knowledge and practices surrounding oral health.

32) Nidhi:
Nidhi refers to Dr. Nidhi Sabhaya, another author involved in the study. Her contributions are vital for enhancing the research's validity and significance, showcasing the collaborative effort of healthcare professionals in assessing and improving oral health education among future nursing practitioners.

33) Field:
Field pertains to the domain of public health and dentistry explored in the study. Understanding the intersection of these fields is essential for addressing gaps in knowledge and promoting effective oral health practices among nursing students, ultimately influencing patient care and public health outcomes.

34) Doshin (Dosin, Dosi, Doshi):
Doshi refers to a prior study conducted by Doshi D et al., which highlights the importance of established research in the field of dental health. Citing existing literature enhances the credibility of the current study, situating it within a broader context of oral health knowledge and practices.

35) Neem:
Neem may refer to the traditional practice of using neem sticks for dental hygiene, representing cultural practices surrounding oral care. Although not specifically analyzed in the study, discussing alternative dental hygiene practices reflects the diverse approaches individuals may take regarding oral health maintenance.

36) Male:
Male captures the demographic aspect of the study participants, where 7.77% of the respondents were male. Understanding gender distribution is important in evaluating health behaviors and knowledge gaps, ensuring that educational interventions consider diverse perspectives and address specific needs within nursing education.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among nursing students’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Preventive measure, Comparative evaluation, Oral Examination, Cultural variation, Ethical committee, Public Health Problem, Cross-sectional study, Gingival index, Dental caries, Knowledge, attitude and practice, Global Burden, Self medication, Oral health status, Self-administered questionnaire, Structured questionnaire, General health, Dental fluorosis, Oral hygiene practice, Oral health related knowledge, Nursing students, Frequent dental visits, Interdental cleaning aids, Public Health Dentistry, Bleeding gum, Fluoride, Oral health knowledge, Oral health attitude, Oral health promotion, Non probability Convenience sampling, Dental visits, Toothbrush and toothpaste, Gingival status, Oral health-related quality, Oral health practice.

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