Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of non-medical students regarding impacted teeth: a cross-sectional study

To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of non-medical students regarding impacted teeth and the factors associated with KAP.

This cross-sectional study enrolled non-medical students at two universities (Northeastern University and Shenyang Conservatory of Music) in northeastern China between December 2022 and February 2023. Scores > 70% were defined as adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practice.

A total of 519 non-medical students participated in this study. Most participants were male (54.72%), ≤ 20 years of age (72.83%), and freshmen (36.03%). The mean knowledge score was 4.98 ± 3.46 (possible range: 0-10), indicating poor knowledge (49.80%). The multivariable analysis showed that having impacted teeth were independently associated with adequate knowledge (OR = 3.114, 95% CI: 1.589-6.103, P = 0.001). The mean attitude score was 24.65 ± 3.78 (possible range: 7-35), indicating favorable attitudes (70.43%). The knowledge (OR = 1.182, 95% CI: 1.116-1.251, P < 0.001), junior grade (OR = 0.541, 95% CI: 0.327-0.895, P = 0.017), senior grade and above (OR = 0.477, 95% CI: 0.274-0.829, P = 0.009), and a history of impacted tooth extraction (OR = 2.386, 95% CI: 1.048-5.436, P = 0.038) were independently associated with the good attitudes. The mean practice score was 21.45 ± 5.64 (possible range: 6-30), indicating positive practice (71.50%). The knowledge (OR = 1.074, 95% CI: 1.017-1.133, P = 0.010) and female (OR = 1.501, 95% CI: 1.052-2.141, P = 0.025) were independently associated with the proactive practices.

Non-medical students had poor knowledge but favorable attitudes and good practice toward impacted teeth. Non-medical students require additional education and awareness about the importance of early detection and management of impacted teeth.

The study highlights the need for improved education and awareness among non-medical students regarding impacted teeth.