Subject: Non Communicable Diseases

Title: ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG MINYA

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY- Minya, Egypt, 2017
Authors: Mustafa Mahran, I. Saied, S. Elshourbagy, S. Refaey, A. Kandeel

Background: Oral diseases are among the most common diseases of humankind, yet
they receive little attention in many countries with weak health care systems. Despite a
high social and economic burden from oral diseases they are considered a neglected
area of international health. In 2015 the WHO & the Egyptian MOHP conducted a
comprehensive study concluding that very few paid any attention to their dental health &
lacking hygiene practice
Methods: A cross sectional survey using an online version of the WHO standard
questionnaire to assess Oral Hygiene Practices. Minya university students electively
filled the online questionnaire to measure self-perception, oral hygiene practice, attitude
towards professional dental care, and Food & tobacco consumption. Statistical analysis
was calculated using Epi Info version 7.2
Results: A total of 600 responses were recorded in the period from February 14th till
February 28th 2017, of which 39 duplicates were excluded with 561 resultant valid
responses. Respondents were mostly urban (78.6%), majority were attending medical
colleges including dentistry & pharmacy (85%). (28.88%) of respondents have lost
teeth. Visits to the dentist where due to pain (41.2%) while only (28.34%) had regular
checkups. Food consumption was fair (55.8%), fortunately only (11.55%) where
smokers.
Conclusions: Oral health practices of the respondents where average although the
majority where medical students including dental school. While results indicate lack of
knowledge in this highly educated population. Access to dental services is questionable,
although reported problems where frequent however they were not severe.

Key words: Oral Health, Oral Hygiene Practice Evaluation, Minya, Egypt, WHO.