Evaluation of Oral Health Care Practice and Awareness Among Health Care Students Towards Patients in Lucknow

Abstract

Introduction: The integration of oral health into healthcare education and practice is crucial for comprehensive patient care and promoting overall health and well-being. However, there are often disparities in oral health awareness and education among students across different healthcare courses.

Objectives: To assess oral health awareness, beliefs, and barriers among students in BDS, MBBS, and nursing programs, and to identify disparities in oral health education across these healthcare courses. The study aims to provide insights for enhancing oral health integration in healthcare education.

Method: A questionnaire-based study was conducted to assess oral health awareness, beliefs, and barriers among students enrolled in BDS, MBBS, and nursing programs. The survey collected demographic data along with responses on oral health knowledge and perceptions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests to explore differences among the groups. This method aimed to identify disparities in oral health education across healthcare courses.

Results:The study surveyed students from MBBS (41.4%), Nursing (32.8%), and BDS (25.8%) courses, with a majority aged 20-25 and a balanced gender distribution (47.6% male, 52.4% female). Findings reveal that BDS students show the highest awareness (95.7%) of the link between oral and overall health, significantly higher than MBBS and Nursing students (p < 0.001). BDS students also demonstrate deeper understanding of oral health's connection to systemic diseases like diabetes (89.7%) and heart disease (79.5%). They are more proactive in updating knowledge, referring patients, and advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration. These differences highlight the importance of targeted oral health education across medical disciplines.

Conclusion: Enhancing oral health integration within healthcare education and practice is essential for improving patient care and promoting overall health. Recommendations include curriculum enhancements, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocating for policy changes to support oral health initiatives.