Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Dental Hygiene in Patients of Sialkot and Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Aim: To find out the perspective of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dental hygiene in patients visiting teaching hospitals of Sialkot and Multan, Pakistan. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted at Islam Dental College, Sialkot and Nishter institute of dentistry, Multan during the year 2021. By using random sampling technique, about 400 patients were included in the study. A questionnaire was asked based on the aim of the study and the data was collected and analyzed. Result: Male patients were more in numbers as compared to the female patients with an age range between 25-55 years in both cities. More than 65% patients had insufficient knowledge about various dental hygiene aids available and their proper usage along with their impact on dental hygiene. Very low practice and attitude has been found regarding dental hygiene. More than 60% of the patients in both cities don’t know importance of maintaining good dental hygiene on their overall health status. Conclusion: Very low level of KAP has been found in patients of both the cities and counseling sessions along with community work and seminars should be carried out to emphasize the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene. Keywords: Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP), patients, hygiene