ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICE AND DENTAL CARIES STATUS AMONG FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS RESIDING IN HOSTELS AT KMU-IMS KOHAT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Poor oral hygiene and dental caries are frequently encountered issues yet often neglected, especially among young adults. Medical students in spite of their future roles in healthcare may often adopt unhealthy oral hygiene practices

Objective: The study aimed to determine the oral hygiene status and dental caries prevalence among hostellite female medical students at KMU-IMS, Kohat, KPK, Pakistan, and to identify the associated factors influencing their dental health.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023 in KMU Institute of Medical Sciences, Kohat. Census sampling was employed, and all 203 eligible female hostelite students were considered for inclusion; 190 students consented to participate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and oral examinations. Oral health status was assessed using the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S) and the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) index. The examination was conducted by trained researchers under the supervision of dentists. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, using descriptive and chi-square test for inferential analysis to assess associations between oral hygiene, caries status, and related factors.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.91 ± 1.78 years. The average OHI-S score was 2.11 ± 1.14, indicating that 118 (62.1%) participants had fair oral hygiene. The mean DMFT score was 0.89 ± 1.35. Associations between oral hygiene status and related factors were assessed using the chi-square test. Significant factors associated with poor oral hygiene included brushing once a day, lack of use of dental floss or mouthwash, and frequent consumption of carbonated drinks (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Although the prevalence of dental caries was low, the majority of participants had fair oral hygiene. The findings highlight the need for improved oral health education focused on promoting better habits to enhance overall oral hygiene and prevent dental caries.