Oral health care awareness among nursing students of Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: To assess and correlate the knowledge, attitude and practice of nursing students towards Oral Health Care. Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among nursing students of Karachi from March to April 2019. The study consisted of a closed-ended questionnaire which was divided into 3 sections about knowledge, attitude and practice about oral health care. Each participant was given 20 min to fill the questionnaire. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Oral health care knowledge among nursing students was very good. 94.5% identified tooth paste and brush as ideal tool for proper oral hygiene maintenance, 88% showed awareness about using fluoridated tooth paste, 62.3% of students brushed after meals, 66% used soft brushes, and 57.9% brushed using vertical technique. A positive attitude towards acquiring advance oral health knowledge was seen in 93% participants. A statistically strong association (p<0.001) between knowledge and oral hygiene practice was found. Conclusion: There is good basic knowledge, and attitude regarding oral health care among our nursing students. With provision of advance knowledge about oral diseases and oral hygiene protocols, nurses can be efficiently utilized in spread oral health promotion among our general population.