Assessment of Oral Health Knowledge and Practices and Its Association With Sociodemographic Factors Among Government...

Background and Aim: Oral health knowledge is a vital requirement for health-related practice. Adequate knowledge of oral health is important due to its influence to better oral health and in developing healthy oral health practices. This study aims to assess the knowledge, practices towards oral health, and its association with sociodemographic factors amongst government employes and their clients in Kuwait, as well as to provide information that could form the basis for targeted oral health promotion programs. This research also aimed at determining the pattern of oral hygiene practices of the adult employes. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected at the Ministries Complex and Housing Authority by a team of trained dentists using a customized questionnaire that was translated into Arabic language. The questionnaire included questions on demographic characteristics; questions about oral health practices; nutrition; knowledge of dental and oral health; and risk factors such as smoking and water pipe use. Results: Respondents in Kuwait demonstrate good oral health knowledge; however, daily dental flossing is inadequately practiced. Nutritional practices such as fast-food consumption and sugary sweet consumption are common amongst the employed adults. Males and smokers have poorer knowledge and inadequate oral hygiene practices. In multivariate analysis, employes having a post school education were significantly associated with an above median knowledge (AOR: 2.34). Male participants (AOR: 0.41) and smokers (AOR: 0.59) were significantly less likely to brush their teeth. Participants who used a water pipe (AOR: 0.57) were significantly less likely to floss their teeth. Conclusions: Majority of participants had a good knowledge level towards oral health. This study highlights the need for educational interventions focusing on comprehensive oral hygiene practices among adults. Further efforts are essential to increase awareness in workplaces to help encourage adult employes in Kuwait in developing healthy oral health practices.