KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES STUDY ON ORAL HEALTH AT BACHA KHAN MEDICAL COMPLEX SWABI

Abstract

Background: Oral diseases are among the most significant public health issues worldwide, especially in developing and third world countries. Clinical results and preventative behaviors are significantly influenced by oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Behavioral variables and their correlation with clinical indicators in Pakistan, however, are not well documented at the district level. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices about oral health and to assess their association with decay, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT index) among patients coming to dental department of  Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 121 patients coming to the dental outpatient department of Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi. Participants were selected through non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Data regarding knowledge, attitude, and practices were collected through a validated questionnaire. Using World Health Organization guidelines, a clinical examination was conducted to record Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT). SPSS version 24 was used to analyze the data. Using the proper statistical tests, relationships between sociodemographic factors, KAP components, and DMFT scores were assessed; a p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: There were 121 participants in total, with a slight male preponderance. Despite the fact that most people showed knowledge of the common causes of dental caries, still preventive measures were suboptimal. Less than half of the individuals reported using supplementary cleaning products and brushing twice a day. The majority of patients sought care mainly for symptoms, and preventive dental visits were rare. Knowledge of oral health and preventive measures were significantly associated with educational attainment. Participants with lesser educational attainment had higher DMFT score, and these values rose with age. Higher DMFT scores were shown to be significantly associated with poor oral hygiene habits. Conclusion: The results show that although there is a general understanding of oral health, there are still gaps in the application of this understanding to appropriate preventive measures. High caries index was linked to lower educational attainment and suboptimal oral hygiene practices. To lower the disease burden in this population, targeted oral health education interventions emphasizing preventative care and behavioral modification are required.