Background: Oral hygiene practices among undergraduate students are vital for overall health and well-being. This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception, and practices of oral hygiene among undergraduate students at Babcock University, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 406 undergraduate students using a structured questionnaire. Participants were selected through a multistage sampling technique, and data were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Scores were calculated to determine knowledge, perception, and practice of oral hygiene.
Results: The findings reveal varying levels of oral hygiene understanding among undergraduate students. Specifically, 40.9% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge, while 59.1% exhibited gaps in understanding. In terms of perception, 67% of students showed favorable attitudes towards oral hygiene practices, while 33% had misconceptions or negative perceptions. Regarding practices, 56.9% of participants reported implementing recommended oral hygiene behaviors regularly, while 43.1% demonstrated inconsistent or inadequate practices.
Conclusion: The study highlights both positive and concerning findings regarding undergraduate students’ knowledge, perception, and practices of oral hygiene. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to address misconceptions and promote consistent oral hygiene practices among this population, ultimately improving oral health outcomes and overall well-being.

Oral hygiene, Knowledge, Perception, Practice, Dentist.

Background of study: Proper oral hygiene ensures healthy teeth and gums, a great smile and prevents mouth odor. It reduces the requirement for fillings, implants or dentures. It lowers the risk of heart problems, stroke, diabetes and oral cancer. Furthermore, it is less expensive to prevent oral health issues than to treat them.[1] Poor oral hygiene has a negative impact on the teeth and the rest of the body. It can lead to the development of halitosis which can cause significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety.[1,2]^. Microorganisms from the mouth can spread to all parts of the body, causing various health issues including diabetes, dementia, kidney disease, arthritis, infertility and so on.[3]

Problem statement: A study was done on comparing “The relationship between oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, practice, self-rated oral health and oral health-related quality of life among college students in China”, a developing country. The findings indicated that people had satisfactory knowledge and attitude toward oral health. However, their actual practices related to oral health were found to be unsatisfactory.[4]^.

Another study was done on “The associations between dental knowledge, source of dental knowledge and oral health behavior in university students in Japan”. The study uncovered that university students in Japan who Obtained dental knowledge from dental clinics exhibited better oral health behavior.[5]

A study was done on “The Oral Health Behavior and Social and Health Factors in University Students from 26 Low, Middle- and High-Income Countries”. The study included countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas and confirmed that in developing economy countries, the rates of tooth brushing and visits to dental clinics were found to be lower when compared to high-income countries. In Bangladesh, a low-income country, only about 53% of university students brush their teeth up to twice daily and about 36% have never had dental checkups. In Singapore, a high-income country, only about 78% of university students brush their teeth up to twice daily and about 13% have never had dental checkups.[6]

A study done in India by Gopikrishna V et al.[7], on “The assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene among students in Bengaluru city”. It reported that only a few of them had adequate knowledge of the prevention of gingivitis while most of them, even at the university level, had no idea about the right method of prevention. About 51% of engineering students, 48% of business administration students, 47% of Bachelor of commerce students and 32% of students in the nursing and pharmacy program had no knowledge of prevention of gingivitis. Also, it was observed that the program with the overall highest percentage level of accurate knowledge was the nursing program which is a health-related program.[7]

Another study was conducted in Split, Croatia on the topic “Oral Hygiene Practices and Oral Health Knowledge among Health care and non-healthcare Students”.[8] From the data collected and analyzed, it was seen that the median responses to knowledge on oral hygiene for those in health care programs were 13 (range 11-14) compared to non-healthcare students which were 11 (range 9-12) showing that students doing health care programs had more knowledge than students doing non-healthcare programs.

A study on “Perceptions of Oral Health, Preventive Care, and Care-Seeking Behaviors among Rural Adolescents” done in North Florida found that majority of the adolescents are of the belief that brushing and flossing eliminates the risk of oral disease.[9] Due to factors like the increasing cost of medical bills and lack of time, most people only visited the dentist when dental problems surpassed local remedies. This study also noted that the fear of needles, blood, and injections discouraged regular dental check-ups among the students. A study was conducted by Olusile et al.[10] in Nigeria between January 2010 and June. About 70% of participants did not know if their teeth cleaning agent contained fluoride or not. 42% and 37% of participants cleaned their mouth twice and once a day respectively.[10] Only 25.9% spend more than 5 minutes while brushing.

From the general population in the afore-mentioned study conducted in Nigeria, people 50 years old and more most frequently visited the dentist compared to the younger population.[10] The higher the levels of education and the more skilled the labor, the higher the rates of utilization of oral health services. People in tertiary institutions had the highest percentage of 40.3% while people with no educational status had the least which was 9.1%. Skilled workers had the highest percentage of 28.6% while students had the least which was 6.8%. Gender and locality had minimal effect on the use of oral health services.[10]

According to another study on “Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices about Oral Hygiene Maintenance among Patients attending a Dental College in India,” it was found that the population of participants that were brushing once daily was 69%, 23% for twice a day, 4% for occasional teeth brushing and only 3.5% brushed more than two times a day. 83.6% of the respondents visited the dentist only in the face of oral health issues. 11.3%, 3.2% and 1.9% visited the dentist once in 3 months, once in 6 months and between 1 and 2 years respectively.[11]

From the above cited studies, it can be deduced that the problems of the knowledge of oral health among undergraduates include inadequate information and access to the right sources of information on oral health related matters. This is particularly worse for students not studying health-related courses and people of poorer socioeconomic status. It can be concluded that a direct positive relationship exists between oral health knowledge and perception. Oral health practices were poor in some institutions despite good knowledge. Some studies did not provide a fair representation of students in the school while others failed to give a direct reason for poor oral health practices among the students.[12,13]

Justification: Education and promotion of oral hygiene is necessary for the improvement of oral health among adolescents and the population at large. A lot of research has highlighted this subject in different institutions and schools across the globe. However, only a few studies have been conducted among undergraduates in this part of the world. This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge with its large sample size providing a fair representation of students in the school. This study also hopes to seek out and solve the challenges of good oral hygiene practices among students at Babcock University.

Research questions:

• What is the level of knowledge of oral hygiene among undergraduates at Babcock University in Ogun state, Nigeria?
• What is the perception of oral hygiene among undergraduates at Babcock University in Ogun state, Nigeria?
• What is the practice of oral hygiene among undergraduates at Babcock University in Ogun state, Nigeria?

Aim: The aim of this research is to assess the knowledge, perception and practice of Oral hygiene among undergraduates in a private university in Ogun state, Nigeria. This research will have a long-term benefit on oral health behaviors across all courses of study and socio-economic statuses

Objectives:

• To assess the level of knowledge of oral hygiene among undergraduates at Babcock University in Ogun state, Nigeria.
• To ascertain the perception of oral hygiene among at Babcock University in Ogun state, Nigeria.
• To ascertain the practice of oral hygiene among undergraduates at Babcock University in Ogun state, Nigeria.

Study area: The research took place at Babcock University, located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Babcock University accommodates a diverse community comprising senior academic faculty, university students, staff, and their families. The institution is composed of various schools, namely the Benjamin S. Carson (SNR) College of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Computing and Engineering, School of Education and Humanities, School of Management Sciences, School of Nursing Sciences, School of Law and Security Studies, School of Public and Allied Health, School of Technology, Veronica Adeleke School of Social Sciences, and College of Postgraduate Studies. Currently, the university boasts an enrollment of approximately 14,000 students, among whom there are 11 female and 8 male students.

Within the university premises, convenience stores are available, offering essential items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, potentially facilitating good oral hygiene practices among the students and staff. Moreover, Babcock University houses the Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), which encompasses various clinics, including a dental clinic. While the educational focus of the university implies a basic understanding of oral hygiene practices among the population, further empirical research is required to evaluate the depth of knowledge and application of oral hygiene principles among undergraduate students at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo.

Study population: The research focused on undergraduate students currently enrolled at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

Inclusion criteria: The study involved undergraduate students who stayed on campus and had provided their consent to participate in the research.

Exclusion criteria: Undergraduates who do not reside on campus and undergraduate students with physical and cognitive challenges that will hinder their participation in the study.

Study design: This research project employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey to analyze the knowledge and implementation of oral hygiene practices among undergraduate students at Babcock University. The study took place from September 2022 to December 2023.

Sample size: The formula below was used to calculate the minimum sample size
n=Z ²p(1-p)d ²
Where;
n= sample size
d= 0.05 (margin of error)
p= Prevalence
According to a study carried out in India, the prevalence of knowledge of oral hygiene was 60%.[7]
Hence P= 60% = 0.6
Z= Standard normal deviate corresponding to 95% confidence level =1.96
1.96 ² x 0.6 x (1-0.6) (0.05) ² = 369 (approx)
Factoring in a 10% non-response rate, 10% of 369 = 36.9 = 37 (approx)
Total Sample Size = 369+37 = 406
Therefore, n = 406.

Sampling technique: A multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of the participants.

Stage 1: A simple random sampling technique was used to select four schools out of the schools in the university listed above. The selected schools were Benjamin S. Carson (SNR) college of health and medical sciences, School of Computing and Engineering, School of Law and Security Studies, and Veronica Adeleke School of Social Sciences.

The total numbers of students found to be in the various schools at the time of the study were 1584 for the Benjamin S. Carson (SNR) college of health and medical sciences, 2707 for the School of Computing and Engineering, 1378 for School of Law and Security Studies and 1683 for Veronica Adeleke School of Social Sciences.
1584+2707+1378+1683=7352

Hence, for each of the selected schools, the following number of participants was chosen out of the total sample size:
For Benjamin S. Carson (SNR) college of health and medical sciences,
(1584/7352) * 406 = 88
For School of Computing and Engineering,
(2707/7352) * 406 = 149
For School of Law and Security Studies,
(1378/7352) * 406 = 76
For Veronica Adeleke School of Social Sciences,
(1683/7352) * 406 = 93

Stage 2: A simple random sampling technique was used to select one department from each of the selected schools. The selected departments in order of the above were Medicine and surgery, Computer Science, International Law and diplomacy, and Economics.

Stage 3: A simple random sampling technique was then used to select the levels of study that will be used in the research from each of the selected departments. The selected levels of study were 600 levels for Medicine and Surgery, 400 levels for Computer Science, 100 levels for International Law and diplomacy and 400 levels for Economics.

88 participants in 600 levels were selected from the department of Medicine and Surgery, 149 in 400 levels from the department of computer science, 76 students in 100 levels from International Law and diplomacy, and 93 students in 400 levels for Economics.

Eligible individuals who met the inclusion criteria at the time of the study were selected through this three-stage multistage approach.

Method for collection of data: The data collection method for this study involved administering a survey based on questionnaires. The use of a self-administered questionnaire will minimize potential bias arising from the interviewer’s presence. The questionnaires were distributed by members of the research team, who were present to provide clarification when necessary.

We ensured anonymity with the questionnaires, and it was written in English, which is the official language used at Babcock University and spoken by most of the students. This language choice ensures that all participants can understand the questions and respond accurately. The questionnaire had both open and closed-ended questions, carefully designed to ensure that all questions were clear, easy to understand, and relevant to the study’s objectives. Students had the option to refuse to answer the questionnaires, and participation was entirely voluntary. There were no negative outcomes for the decision not to participate.

Tools for collection of data: A structured questionnaire, guided by the preliminary discoveries from the literature review about undergraduates’ Knowledge, Perception, and Practices of oral hygiene, was employed.

The questionnaire contained four sections. The first section had 6 questions that focused on sociodemographic characteristics. 15 questions were used to assess participants’ knowledge of oral hygiene using closed-ended questions in section two. The third section focused on assessing the perception of oral hygiene, using 10 questions that tested participants’ opinions on general hygiene practices and self-perception on oral health. The last section contained 13 open and closed-ended questions that focused on assessing the oral hygiene practices of participants.

Data entry and analysis: The gathered data were reviewed and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), based on the responses from the questionnaires.

Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze demographic information, as well as knowledge, perception, and practice related to oral hygiene.

Scoring system:
A) Participants of the study were scored on Knowledge of oral hygiene based on the number of questions answered correctly out of a total of 15 questions.

• Participants will be awarded 1 point for each correct response and 0 points for each wrong one.
• Maximum possible score 15.
• Minimum possible score   0.
• The mean score of the respondents was then calculated and used as a cut-off to determine the knowledge of oral hygiene (i.e. above the average will be considered as adequate knowledge and vice versa)
• Percentage scores were calculated for each respondent based on their knowledge of oral hygiene.
• Respondents scoring 50% and above were said to have adequate knowledge of oral hygiene.
• Those with 50% or below were said to have inadequate knowledge of oral hygiene.

B) Participants of the study were scored on Perception of oral hygiene based on the number of questions answered correctly from a total of 10 questions.

• Participants were awarded 1 point for each correct response and 0 points for each incorrect answer.
• Maximum possible score 10
• Minimum possible score 0
• The mean score of the respondents was then calculated and used as a cut-off to determine the perception of oral hygiene (i.e. above the average will be considered as adequate knowledge and vice versa)
• Percentage scores were calculated for each respondent based on their perception of oral hygiene. Respondents scoring 50% and above were said to have an adequate perception of oral hygiene.
• Those with 50% or below were said to have an inadequate perception of oral hygiene.

C) Participants of the study were scored on the Practice of oral hygiene based on the questions answered correctly from a total of 13 questions.

• Participants were awarded 1 point for each correct response and 0 points for each incorrect one. Likert scales were scored in ascending order of points with respect to correct answers (i.e., 1 to 5).
• Maximum possible score is 37.
• Minimum possible score 4.
• The mean score of the respondents was then calculated and used as a cut-off to determine the practice of oral hygiene (i.e. above the average will be considered as adequate knowledge and vice versa)
• Percentage scores were calculated for each respondent’s practice of oral hygiene. Respondents scoring 50% and above were said to have adequate practice of oral hygiene.
• Those with 50% or below were said to have inadequate practice of oral hygiene.

Protection from harm: Securing participant anonymity during data collection was done by employing a code number instead of participant names, ensuring zero risk of harm to any participant in this study.

Section A: Socio-demographic information: Table 1 shows the socio-demographic distribution of the respondents. A total of 406 respondents participated fully in the study. The mean age was 20.23 ± 3.42 years, ranging from 15 years to 27 years. Age group 15-20 years predominated (53.9%). Females were in the majority (65.8%), likewise the Christians (70.9%). Muslims made up 29.1% of the population. The Yorubas made up 41.4%, Igbos 36.7% and Hausas 15.0%. The majority of the respondents were from 400 level (59.6%) and studied Computer science (36.7%).

Table 1: Socio-demographic information

Section B: Knowledge of oral hygiene: Table 2 delineates the knowledge of the respondents about oral hygiene. Overall, 40.9% of the respondents had adequate knowledge about oral hygiene, while 59.1% had inadequate knowledge. A maximum score of 15 was obtainable with a mean of 10.4.

Table 2: Knowledge of oral hygiene

Section C: Perception of oral hygiene

Table 3: Perception of oral hygiene

Table 3 shows the perception of the respondents towards oral hygiene. Overall, 67.0% had adequate perception towards oral hygiene while 33.0% had inadequate. The maximum obtainable score was 10, with a mean of 7.8

Section D: Practice of oral hygiene

Table 4: Practice of oral hygiene

Table 4 shows the practice of oral hygiene among the respondents. Overall, 56.9% of the respondents had adequate practice of oral hygiene, while 43.1% had inadequate practice. The maximum obtainable score was 3,7 with a mean of 20.7

Factors affecting the knowledge, perception, and practice of oral hygiene among the respondents

Table 5: Cross-tabulation and chi-square analysis to determine socio-demographic factors affecting the knowledge of oral hygiene among the respondents

Table 5 shows the relationship between socio-demographic factors and knowledge of oral hygiene among the respondents. There was no observed statistical significance. (p>0.05)

Table 6: Cross-tabulation and chi-square analysis to determine socio-demographic factors affecting the perception of oral hygiene among the respondents

Table 6 shows the relationship between socio-demographic factors and perception of oral hygiene among the respondents. There was no observed statistical significance. (p>0.05)

Table 7: Cross-tabulation and chi-square analysis to determine socio-demographic factors affecting the practice of oral hygiene among the respondents

Table 7 shows the relationship between socio-demographic factors and the practice of oral hygiene among the respondents. There was no observed statistical significance. (p>0.05)

Analysis of the data obtained revealed that there were 406 respondents, and the ages of respondents are between 15 and 30 years, with the largest portion found in the age bracket 15-20 years, making up 53.9% of the study respondents. Both male and female participants were in this study, and we had a higher population of females, 65.8%. The study level mostly comprises of 100, 200, 300 and 400 level, with 400 level being the largest (59.6%) and the departments of study used include computer science (36.7%), International law and diplomacy (18.7%), economics (22.9%) and medicine and surgery (21.7%).

In assessing the knowledge of Babcock university students on their oral hygiene, the findings from our study indicate that 40.9% of the respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge about oral hygiene, while 59.1% had inadequate knowledge. These results underscore the importance of targeted educational efforts to enhance awareness among undergraduate students in Nigeria. A similar study conducted by Onwubu et al.[14] at a selected University of Technology in Nigeria reported comparable levels of oral health knowledge and attitudes among students.

The respondents however had an overall adequate response to questions on basic health education knowledge about oral health, like the number of sets of teeth we have in a lifetime (95.8% of students gave adequate response to that question), and information on the number of permanent teeth (93.6% of people gave adequate response) and a 100% adequate response to whether the care of the teeth is as important as any part of the body also a 100% adequate response to the knowledge of the fact that there is a relationship between dental diseases and the well-being of the body and that improper care of the teeth can lead to dental diseases, this is consistent with a finding done in Calabar Nigeria among university students.[15] However, when it got to more specific questions about the teeth, majority of students didn’t know what a plaque was and the major indication of an infected tooth and this could be due to the fact that in the university students focus more on their course of study and general lectures on health is not common except in student doing health care courses.

In comparison to the study done in India by Gopikrishma V et al.[7] and Split Croatia, gender had no significant impact on knowledge in the study done, and this could be a result of the similarities in the university environment.[8] Media emerged as the primary source of oral hygiene information for 57.6% of participants. Making use of media platforms effectively can enhance awareness campaigns. However, it’s essential to recognize that the effectiveness of media channels may vary based on factors such as literacy rates, language preferences, and access to technology. A study by Nguyen et al.[16] In Vietnam, the role of media channels in disseminating health-related information was also highlighted.

This study has shown that the general knowledge of oral hygiene in Babcock university is poor, even in comparison to other studies done, and there is a need to improve that knowledge. Results from this study showed that all the respondents (100%) agreed that brushing of the teeth twice a day improves oral health, reflecting a common oral hygiene practice that aligns with the findings in a study conducted in a dental college in India.[11] This study reveals several key insights into the perception of oral hygiene maintenance among its participants. Notably, 86.6% of respondents primarily used a toothbrush for cleaning their teeth. Furthermore, our study showed that over half (51.2%) of the respondents disagree with the notion that mouthwash can replace tooth brushing, which further buttresses the unanimous agreement on the importance of oral health and the positive impact of regular brushing. The prevalence of toothbrush usage appears to be a shared trend, suggesting a global acknowledgment of its significance in maintaining oral hygiene.

However, differences emerge in brushing frequencies. Meanwhile, 23% of participants in the dental college study brushed twice daily.[11] Our study indicated a higher percentage (100%) of students agreeing that brushing twice a day improves oral hygiene. This discrepancy may be attributed to variations in educational backgrounds, emphasizing the need for tailored oral health education programs that address specific practices prevalent in different demographics.

The Findings from our study, where different perception levels with various oral aspects were observed, reveal that the perception of oral hygiene remains a major public health concern in the country. Similar concerns were echoed in the study conducted in a dental college in India; the collective evidence points towards a shared need for improved oral health education and promotional programs to address the existing gaps in knowledge and attitude towards oral hygiene practices.[11]

In the study on rural adolescents, a recurring theme emerges regarding their limited understanding of oral health.[17] The emphasis on the aesthetic aspects and cleanliness of teeth, as well as the belief in the adequacy of regular brushing and flossing, is consistent across studies. The unanimous agreement on the importance of oral health and the positive impact of regular brushing suggests that educational environments play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions. Common challenges related to accessing dental care, such as transportation, cost, and negative experiences with dental clinics, persist across both rural adolescents and students. However, the socio-economic background of the population may influence the severity of these challenges.[18] Students in private tertiary institutions might encounter similar barriers but potentially possess more resources to overcome them compared to their rural counterparts. The shared theme of fear as a barrier to seeking dental care is noteworthy. While the specific fears may vary, the prevalence of fear among both rural adolescents and students implies a need for targeted interventions aimed at alleviating these concerns. This suggests that, irrespective of geographical location or educational background, addressing dental fear is a critical aspect of promoting oral health. In terms of the overall perception of oral hygiene, our research indicates a 67.0% adequate perception among students. This contrasts with the findings from rural adolescents and may be indicative of the impact of a private tertiary institution’s environment, possibly fostering a culture of proactive oral health practices and awareness.

In conclusion, the collective comparison underscores the multifaceted nature of oral hygiene perceptions, shaped by socio-economic factors, educational environments, and geographical contexts. While common challenges persist, the disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions that account for the specific needs and perceptions of different demographic groups. Addressing these nuances can contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to promoting oral health across diverse populations.

Looking over the data from our own study and drawing comparisons with the findings from the research studies conducted in Nigeria and India, specifically, the studies by Olusile et al.[10] and Salzer et al.[19] Several noteworthy trends and disparities in oral hygiene practices among participants emerge. The investigation into oral care practices among participants in our study provides a slight difference in perspective on dental care habits. Tooth brushing frequency, a critical aspect of oral health, was a common theme across the studies. While Olusile et al.[10] and Salzer et al.[19] indicated varying frequencies among different demographic groups, our study’s participants demonstrated a notable adherence to regular toothbrushing. With 52.2% reporting brushing twice a day, this aligns with the general recommendation for optimal oral hygiene.

Toothbrush type and replacement patterns further explain the oral care landscape. Our study reveals a preference for medium-bristled toothbrushes (56.7%), differing from the emphasis on hard-bristled brushes in the study by Olusile et al.[10] Most of our participants (79.1%) also demonstrated commendable adherence to the recommended toothbrush replacement every three months, contrasting with the patterns observed in the studies mentioned above. The exploration of additional cleaning aids provides a more comprehensive understanding of oral care practices. In our study, participants exhibited a diverse range of supplementary tools, with 57.4% using mouthwash, 12.3% employing dental floss, and 10.3% utilizing a tongue cleaner. This contrasts with Olusile et al.[10] and Salzer et al.[19], which primarily focused on toothbrush and toothpaste usage, highlighting the evolving landscape of oral hygiene practices. This contrast can be attributed to the fact that participants in our study site, Babcock university, are from above average backgrounds in a learned environment as well. Dentist visits play a crucial role in preventive oral care. Our study’s finding that 58.1% of participants had visited a dentist indicates a positive trend, especially considering the substantial portion that had a dental visit within the past six months. This contrasts sharply with Olusile et al.[10] which identified a significant proportion of participants who had never visited a dentist. The preference for professional dental care over self-administered pain relief, as indicated by 79.1% of participants in our study, underscores a positive attitude toward seeking professional assistance when experiencing oral discomfort. This aligns with the broader objective of promoting regular dental check-ups for preventive care, as opposed to relying solely on pain management. Comparing these trends with Salzer et al.[19] Our study in India indicates a higher frequency of toothbrushing among participants and a greater diversity in supplementary oral care practices. Salzer et al’s study, focusing on 12-year-old school children, revealed lower engagement in oral practices, emphasizing the importance of instilling healthy oral habits early in life. In summary, the detailed insights from our study contribute valuable information to the existing body of research on oral hygiene practices, particularly when compared to the specific findings from the studies by Olusile et al and Salzer et al.[10,19] These comparisons highlight the diversity of oral care behaviors among participants and suggest a positive direction in terms of adherence to recommended oral hygiene practices and a willingness to seek professional dental care when needed.

This study showed poor knowledge of oral hygiene among students. However, the practice and attitude towards oral hygiene were above 50 %, which is not excellent, but better than average, and this can be linked to the source of knowledge, which is the media. This could be because the media influences practices without necessarily explaining why these practices are important, and not many channels really speak about dental health, including tooth decay. People nowadays are influenced by trends, and when they see most people in the media influencing the use of toothbrush, toothpaste, in addition to mouthwash and floss, they do the same without question.

Study limitations: This study had several potential limitations that need to be acknowledged. One limitation was the possibility of a lack of interest in the topic by students in selected departments and improper understanding of the topic by participants, to overcome these limitations, a proper presentation of the topic with the aim of making the participants gain understanding and interest was done when administering the questionnaires to the students and the interviewer was present all through the time the questionnaire was being filled.

Another potential limitation of the study was the possibility of selection bias, as students who chose to participate may have a greater interest in oral hygiene than those who did not participate, to overcome this, efforts were made to ensure that the recruitment process was thorough and that all students in the selected groups had an equal opportunity to participate in the study.

Additionally, the importance and relevance of the study were emphasized to all potential participants to encourage their participation. While these limitations could not be eliminated completely, steps were taken to minimize their impact on the study’s results and draw accurate conclusions based on the data collected.

It was revealed that most of the students at Babcock University (59.1%) had inadequate knowledge of oral health. While there was an overall adequate response to basic questions about oral health, like the number of teeth in a lifetime and the number of teeth sets in one’s lifetime, more practical questions had more wrong responses among the respondents. Adequate knowledge of oral health did not vary based on the course of study, and even the medical students in this institution had 40% adequate knowledge, which is poor and on the same range as other students.

About 67.0% of respondents had an adequate perception of oral. There were mixed satisfaction levels with various aspects of oral hygiene with a significant proportion of people unsure of how they perceived their oral health. Oral hygiene perceptions were shown to be affected by shaped by socio-economic factors and educational environments. About 56.9% of the respondents had adequate practice of oral hygiene. Most of the participants reported practicing twice-daily brushing and replacing their toothbrush every three months. Participants reported using other tools in the practice of oral health besides a toothbrush, such as mouthwashes and dental and tongue cleaners. About 58.1% of respondents had visited a dentist in their lifetime, and most seek professional dental care over self-administered pain relief, which is a good trend.

We would like to extend our profound appreciation to multiple individuals without whose support this research would not have been possible. First and foremost, our gratitude goes to our supervisor, Dr. Temitope Ashipa, whose expertise, guidance, and patience added considerably to our project work. Her mentorship, vast knowledge, and considerable skill in our area of study were instrumental in shaping this research, and her encouragement and insightful feedback were crucial at every stage of this journey. We are profoundly thankful to our parents for the financial and emotional support they have provided during this project. Then we must also recognize the support of Babcock university and the department of Community medicine, for providing the resources and environment conducive to our research.

Not reported

Corresponding Author:
Enemare Blessing
Department of Medicine
Babcock University, Nigeria
Email: enemareblessing@gmail.com

Co-Authors:
Enaohwo Kevin Brume, Enumah Faith Ifunanya, Eugene-Akhere Ehizogie O. Jude
Department of Medicine
Babcock University, Nigeria

All authors contributed to the conceptualization, investigation, and data curation by acquiring and critically reviewing the selected articles. They were collectively involved in the writing – original draft preparation, and writing – review & editing to refine the manuscript. Additionally, all authors participated in the supervision of the work, ensuring accuracy and completeness. The final manuscript was approved by all named authors for submission to the journal.

This project was submitted to the Babcock University health research ethics committee (BUHREC) for ethical approval. Approval was obtained from the Department of Community Medicine at Benjamin Carson Snr. School of Medicine, Babcock University, Nigeria. Before circulating the survey, the study’s objectives were clearly elucidated to potential participants. Voluntary participation is paramount, and individuals who opted to take part endorsed a consent form. To safeguard confidentiality, personal data wasn’t disclosed to any external entities.

Not reported

None

https://doi.org/10.63096/medtigo30622462

Enemare B, Enaohwo KB, Enumah FI, Eugene-Akhere EOJ. Knowledge, Perception, and Practice of Oral Hygiene Among Undergraduates in a Private University in Ogun State. medtigo J Med. 2024;2(4):e30622462. doi:10.63096/medtigo30622462 Crossref