ORAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMONG NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS OF PRIVATE SECTOR UNIVERSITIES IN KARACHI

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the status of Oral health awareness among the non medical students of private sector universities in Karachi, to assess their knowledge, attitude and respective behavioural practices for maintaining good oral hygiene. Methodology/sample: The data (n = 300) for this cross-sectional study were collected from Bahria University, Iqra University and Institute of business technology students in Karachi, students were sent an electronic questionnaire as well as also filled them by hand who are not easily accessible on that day, asking about knowledge, treatment need and oral health habits. Oral hygiene was evaluated using perceived oral hygiene status questions. Student t-test and Pearson Correlation tests were used to draw results. Findings: The sample of 300 students from non-medical departments of private sector universities in Karachi was analyzed and tested, among them 43% respondents were male and remaining 57% were female. The knowledge of oral health was insufficient among the non-medical university students, but the attitude and behaviour were positive among the same students of private sector universities. Conclusion / Practical Implications: In view of the outcomes, the accompanying conclusions can be drawn from this research, the oral health knowledge among the students was insufficient, where as the attitude and behaviour for maintaining good oral hygiene was found to be positive. There is a dire need to incorporate knowledge of oral health in general curriculum of studies for the betterment of overall healthiness of individuals. The attitude and behaviour are also contrasting in terms of smoking and dental visits, which needs to be corrected as well.