Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Related to Oral Health of Dental, Medical and Pharmacy Students at the University of Science and Technology in Yemen

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to oral health of Dental, Medical and Pharmacy students at University of Science and Technology in Yemen. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study with questionnaire survey was conducted on 300 students with an age ranged from 19 to 22 years. They were distributed equally and randomly according to gender, specialty and year of the studied academic programs. The target population was the 2nd and 3rd year�s pre-professional students. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The highest rate of knowledge scores of the students related to oral health was (87%) with better response in Dental students (95%) than Medical and Pharmacy students (84% and 82% respectively). However, the lowest rate of them was (54.33%) with also better response in Dental students (64%) than Medical and Pharmacy students (52% and 47% respectively). Nearly 72% of them (93% Dental, 65% Medical and 58% Pharmacy) believed that regular visits to the dentist is necessary. Moreover, 56.33% of them (88% Dental, 43% Medical and 38% Pharmacy) showed that private clinic was voted as the preferred place of visit for dental treatment. Approximately 77% of them (86% Dental, 74% Medical and 71% Pharmacy) had visited a dentist at least once in their lifetime. About 61.67% of them (77% Dental, 56% Medical and 52% Pharmacy) brushed their teeth twice daily. Conclusion: It showed that knowledge, attitudes and practices related to oral health of female students were better than male students. Dental students had better knowledge, attitudes and practices related to oral health than medical and pharmacy students.