Curtailing of myths and misconceptions regarding oral health among Indian adult population through health education and promotion: Cross sectional survey

Balkan Journal of Dental Medicine

article

Mavinakote Gowda Triveni¹  Govindaroy Venkatesh Usha²  Shah Rucha¹  Gunjiganuru Vemanaradhya Gayathri¹  Basanagouda Patil Mallanagouda³  Basavaraj Badiger Apoorva¹ 

[1] Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Department of Periodontics;Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Department of Public Health Dentistry;Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Sciences, Department of Periodontics

关键词: awareness;    education;    healthy lifestyle;    misconceptions;    myths;    dentistry;   

DOI  :  10.2478/bjdm-2021-0002

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Walter de Gruyter GmbH

【 摘 要 】

Background/Aim: Myths related to oral diseases and oral health-related practices are very common among the population. Inadequate knowledge along with the persisting myths regarding the etiology, course and outcome of oral diseases makes it difficult to initiate health behavioural changes. Present study scrutinizes various myths and misconceptions regarding oral health among the outpatients. The aim of this study was to assess myths and misconceptions about oral health and imparting education regarding the same. Material and Methods: The calculated sample size was 200. A pre -tested closed ended questionnaire was prepared in both English and local language (Kannada). It comprised of four sections with 24 questions. The Content validity index value of 0.9 suggested a good validity. A Chi square test was applied and significance level was fixed at p< 0.05. Results: We had 100% response rate. In our study half of the participants visited dental hospital for the very first time (57.5%). About 45.2% of subjects believed 3rd molar eruption is the sign of intelligence, while 64.8% had a notion that all dental procedures are painful. Conclusions: Myths and misconceptions related to oral health are still prevalent among the population. However, small steps like compulsory education about oral health in the school curriculum, available and affordable oral care also effective use of mass media could be the steps to reduce oral health burden to the society.

【 授权许可】

CC BY