Investigation on the knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health and the influencing factors among medical college and university undergraduate in Anhui Province

Objective To investigate the current situation of knowledge, attitude and practice(KAP) of oral health among medical college and university undergraduates in Anhui Province,and provide baseline information for oral health education. Methods A total of 1 672 undergraduates from 6 medical colleges and universities in Anhui Province were randomly selected as the subjects. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the KAP of oral health among these undergraduates. Results The correct answer rate for oral health knowledge was 63.8%, the positive attitude of oral health care was 68.8%, and the correct rate of oral hygiene practice was 44.1%. The oral health KAP level of the stomatology undergraduates were higher than those of other professional students(all P<0.05), and those of the non-medical students were the lowest. The oral health KAP level of the town students were higher than those of the rural undergraduates(P<0.05). The oral health KAP level of the female undergraduates were higher than those of male undergraduates(P<0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge and attitude between the grades(all P<0.05), but the difference in practice was not statistically significant(P>0.05). The score of knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health among undergraduates were positively correlated to each other(r=0.285, 0.220, 0.143, all P<0.05). Gender, place of origin, grade and profession were the influencing factors of the oral health knowledge. Gender, grade and profession were the influencing factors of the oral health attitude. Gender, place of origin and profession were the influencing factors of oral health practice. Conclusion The knowledge and attitude of oral health among medical college and university undergraduates in Anhui Province are at medium level, and the practice of oral health is at a low level. It is suggested that various forms of the oral health education should be carried out in colleges and universities.