Analysis on the oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior of college students in Anhui medical college

ObjectiveTo investigate the oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior of medical students from five medical colleges in Anhui to provide the scientific reference for the intervention of the oral health of college students.

MethodsThe oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior of 1419 medical students from five medical colleges in Anhui were investigated using questionnaire.

ResultsThe results of the questionnaire survey showed that the awareness rate of oral knowledge among Anhui medical college students was low.Except that the awareness rate of "fluoride can increase the anti-acid ability of teeth" was 79.42%(1 127/1419), and the awareness rate of "acidic substance is the main cause of dental plaque" was 63.78%(905/1 419), the awareness rate of other knowledge was less than 60%.Among the college students, the 68.50%(972/1 419)students considered that the oral education was necessary, and 70.26%(997/1 419)students considered that the minor diseases existed in their oral health evaluation.The media(57.15%), books(54.62%)and knowledge brochures(51.16%)were the main approaches for college students to acquire oral knowledge.The awareness rates of the oral knowledge of "fluoride can increase the anti-acid ability of teeth; tea is the drink with the highest fluoride content; dental floss can effectively clear the tooth space; drinking water is the main source of fluoride intake" in female students were higher than those in male students(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).The knowledge, attitude and behavior of wisdom teeth in female students were better than those in male students(P < 0.01).The difference of the oral health education in college students from different places of origin was statistically significant(P < 0.01), and the differences of the necessity of oral health examination, the benefits of electric toothbrush for oral health, purpose of brushing and willingness to receive oral education were statistically significant(P < 0.01).

ConclusionsThe overall evaluation of oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior among medical students in Anhui is not satisfied enough.The oral health education among colleges should be enhanced to help college students to improve the awareness of oral health and develop good oral cleaning habits.