Oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of adults: Findings from a National Oral Health Survey in Singapore.
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
; 52(3): 292-301, 2024 Jun.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38351568
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Prevention complements the curative management of oral diseases. Effective preventive interventions involve the adoption of oral health promoting behaviours. Little is known about the awareness of oral disease and its prevention among Singaporean adults as well as their prevailing oral health attitudes and behaviours. The aim of the study was to describe the oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of adults in Singapore.METHODS:
A random sample of adults (≥21 years old) in Singapore was selected to complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered information about their knowledge of the aetiology, signs and symptoms as well as prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease; attitudes about the value of teeth, locus of control in maintaining oral health and oral health behaviours including toothbrushing, flossing and dental attendance.RESULTS:
A total of 1196 adults of weighted mean age 48 years old with almost equal proportions of males and females responded to the questionnaire. Participants were more unaware about the causes of periodontal disease (25.7%) than dental caries (4%). While more than 90% of participants felt that healthy teeth were important and could affect their overall health, many (67.0%) felt it was natural to lose their teeth with old age. Among the participants, 83.5% brushed their teeth twice a day; 41.9% flossed their teeth and 53.9% visited the dentist at least once a year.CONCLUSIONS:
The study findings showed good knowledge around dental caries but some gaps around periodontal disease. It also found that participants perceived having limited control over preventing tooth loss. Irregular dental attendance and poor denture wearing habits were also noted. The findings shed light on key areas to focus on through oral health promotion to improve overall oral health.Mots clés
Texte intégral:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Comportement en matière de santé
/
Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques en santé
/
Santé buccodentaire
Type d'étude:
Diagnostic_studies
Limites:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Pays/Région comme sujet:
Asia
Langue:
En
Journal:
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
Année:
2024
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
Singapour
Pays de publication:
Danemark