A Comparative Evaluation of Oral Hygiene Practice, Knowledge, and Attitude among Hospital Employees in Amritsar, India

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the oral hygiene awareness, knowledge, and practice attitude of employees, working in different departments of a hospital in Amritsar, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 203 volunteer participants between the ages of 23 and 56 years, both males and females, who were divided into four groups: doctors, nurses, support medical staff, and support nonmedical staff. Subjects were administered self-administered questionnaire addressing demographics, knowledge, and attitude and practice behavior of participants. The data were collected, segregated, and analyzed. Results: The knowledge score of physicians was adequate, but their attitude and behavior scores were substantially low. Overall performance of the other three groups - nurses, support medical staff, and support nonmedical staff in terms of knowledge, attitude, and behavior sections was not satisfactory. Survey revealed that only 26.2% of subjects brushed twice daily. About 17% reported use of dental floss and 18.7% used either mouthwash or tongue cleaner as adjuncts. Conclusion: The inadequate knowledge about oral health and hygiene of hospital employees as well as their callous attitudes toward these areas suggest a pressing need for the implementation of continuous dental education. The efficacy of dental health education can be increased only if health programs are tailored to directly impinge on attitudes of targeted population. Interprofessional education programs for healthcare staff can create learning environment where health workers from various fields can interact and learn how to prepare them for seamless teamwork in collaboration for coordinated patient care. Hence, a proactive approach is required to create awareness about oral health and hygiene.