Oral health knowledge and oral health behavior among first-year undergraduates of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

This study aimed to determine oral health knowledge and practices among first-year undergraduates of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and to compare the same among students of the health related (HRF) and non-health-related (NHRF) faculties. Data was collected from 504 students across eight faculties using an online questionnaire prior to commencing discipline-based academic programs. Mean scores for oral health knowledge and practices were 62.56±10.68 and 71.89±15.4, respectively. HRF students showed significantly higher scores for both parameters than NHRF students. Oral health knowledge was associated positively with age, parental education and female gender. Unsatisfactory knowledge scores were observed regarding inter-dental cleaning aids and awareness of oral health toward systemic health. The results revealed, undergraduates exposed to health-related subjects in their school career had better oral health knowledge and practices. Thus, incorporation of health studies for all students in school curricula is important. The level of knowledge and practices could be lower among young adults in the general population as the study sample consisted of only the highest achievers among the young adults. Therefore, oral health education programs are recommended to address knowledge deficits, increase awareness of interdental cleaning and the influence of oral health on systemic diseases.