Authors:

Abstract

Introduction: Assessment of oral-health-related knowledge, attitudes and care practices in healthcare undergraduates would help to identify the necessary curriculum revisions thus, improving the professional attitude as well as the ethical and sensible conduct of the profession.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the oral-health-related knowledge, attitudes and oral care practices among nursing undergraduates in one of the graduate programmes in Sri Lanka.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire.

Results: Out of 148 responders, only 27.70% (n=41, 95% CI 19.8-35.6%) of undergraduates had good knowledge on oral health. The highest mean score was reported on the knowledge on dental plaque 7.16 (SD 4.5) while the lowest was on oral cancers 3.89 (SD 3.13). Positive attitude were reported only in 30.41% (n=45, 95% CI 22.3-38.5%) of undergraduates. However, oral health knowledge and attitude were not statistically significant across the categories of sex and the academic year. Majority of undergraduates brushed twice a day (n=118, 80%) using fluoridated toothpastes (n=107, 72%) while a significant percentage (n=79, 53.4%, 95% CI 44.6-62.2%) had the snacking habits in between the main meals. Only 62 (41.9%, 95% CI 33.3-50.6%) undergraduates showed the good practice of maintaining regular dental visits.

Conclusions: The findings of this study highlighted the existing lapses in the knowledge of oral health in nursing undergraduates. No difference was found in scores of knowledge and attitude on oral health care across sexes or the academic year of study. Thus, while recommending further studies, suggest required modifications in the nursing curriculum to improve aspects of oral health.

Keywords: Oral health knowledge, Attitude, Oral care practices, Nursing undergraduates