Knowledge, Attitude and Oral Health Behavior of Adults Attending Bir Hospital Dental Department

Abstract

Background: Currently 86% of Nepalese live in rural areas where accessibility to education is a big problem and media reach is also very low. But the urbanization that is taking place is causing the rural immigrants to adopt a modern society behavior and change their dietary habits. There is disappearance of traditional foods and an increase in sugar consumption and refined foods. There is easy availability of tobacco products and alcohol as well as the traditional use of areca nut but little knowledge about their harmfulness. So, this research will assess people's awareness level affecting their food habits leading to oral health problems. Methods: The study was carried among adults who came for treatment to Bir hospital dental department. The sample identified was the first five adult males and first five adult females totaling ten adults a day using purposive sampling method. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: Majority of the respondents reported of not using harmful substances like tobacco, areca nut and alcohol. There was no significant association between education and frequency of consumption of these products but a significant association was seen between the sex of the respondent and their consumption habit with males having higher frequency of consumption. There was a general consensus that it is not necessary to visit a dentist unless there is a major problem. Conclusions: There was no association between the respondent's educational level and their knowledge, attitude and oral health behavior.