Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en salud oral en pacientes atendidos en la Universidad Santo Tomás de Bucaramanga

Abstract

Introduction: It is important to start health care education in the early stages of life, where these people's attitudes towards this can be learned by themselves, with the guidance of professionals. Taking into account that oral health is not given importance, it is essential to implement promotion and prevention strategies. Objective: Determine knowledge, attitudes and practices in oral health in patients at the Santo Tomás University clinic in 2023. Materials and methods: Observational, analytical cross-sectional study, sample of 160 patients with the CAP-S questionnaire of 42 questions in total with sociodemographic aspects as well. The univariate analysis was by count and percentages for qualitative and median with range for quantitative. In addition, the bivariate with Chi2 and Fisher's Exact Test (p<0.05). Results: 58.13% were men, 28.75% were from stratum three, 38.13% were independent and 24.38% finished high school. In addition, 98.13% use a toothbrush, 70.63% floss and 92.50% visit the dentist. The knowledge (45.63%) and practices (61.25%) were good, the attitude (96.25%) was also positive. In addition, statistical significance was found in knowledge in the stratum, educational level and use of floss, in attitudes it was the place where the toothbrush is located, mouthwash and frequency of visits to the dentist; in practices, assistance to the dentist. Conclusions: The results reflected a solid level of knowledge regarding hygiene among the participants, demonstrating the importance of continuing to implement oral hygiene education.