Oral Hygiene Practice and Associated Factors Among Health Science Students in Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Oral diseases have been a persistent public health problem globally, with almost every individual experiencing pain in their teeth at least once in their lifetime, which is mostly related to poor oral hygiene practices. Despite being a key to avoiding many oral problems, oral health practice is not well studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess oral health practice and associated factors among health science students in northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based observational cross-sectional study design was conducted among 241 health science students at Debre Tabor University using a simple random sampling technique. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between independent and outcome variables. Results were reported as adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 241 students participated in the study. Only one-fourth of the students (26.1%) had good oral hygienic practices. Being female, a medical student, increasing years of education and not drinking alcohol were independently associated with good oral hygienic practices. CONCLUSION: The present study found that the health science students' practice regarding oral hygiene was poor. The study also indicates that females, medical students, higher batch students and those who didn't consume alcohol in the last 30 days were associated with good oral hygiene practices. Providing health information in collaboration with corresponding stakeholders regarding proper oral hygiene practice is recommended for health science students. Further qualitative research is also needed to identify the behavioural risk factors regarding oral health among students.