ORAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Oral health is a crucial part of the overall health. However, in low- and middle-income countries little attention is given to oral health. Healthcare professionals play a major role as advisers on and providers of preventive and curative measures. The oral health knowledge and preventive practices of healthcare professions is important for meeting individuals’ oral health needs and expectations, and improving population health outcomes.

Objective: To assess the oral health knowledge, practices and dental service utilization of healthcare professionals (Doctors and nurses) at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Methods: A cross-sectional study that involved healthcare professionals (doctors and nurses) in OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on the oral health knowledge, practices and dental service utilization of the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 version. Chi-square test was used to determine the differences between health professionals’ oral knowledge, practice and dental service utilization. Statistical significance was inferred at p < 0.05.

Results: There were 205 participants, 85 (41.5%) doctors and 120 (58.5%) nurses. The majority of the participants know that dirty mouth is related to gum disease (97.6%), alcohol consumption and tobacco use can affect oral health (92.2% and 95.1% respectively). Approximately 81.0% of the participants know that uncontrolled diabetes affects the gum. About 55.0% of the healthcare workers (64.6% of nurses and 35.4% of doctors) claimed to brush their teeth twice daily. The majority (97.0%) of doctors and nurses use toothbrush, 2.0% claimed they use both toothbrush and chewing stick while 1.0% use only chewing stick. More nurses (60.9%) than doctors (39.1%) (p = 0.047) understand that dental visit is necessary. However, 38.5% of the healthcare workers have never visited the dentist.

Conclusion: Medical doctors and nurses have adequate oral health knowledge and good oral health practices. However, dental service utilization among participants was poor.