Knowledge, attitude and practice of patients on plaque and calculus as causative agents of Periodontal disease.

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have shown that prevalence extent and severity of gingivitis is strongly associated with levels of plaque. Calculus aids in plaque accumulation and is therefore central on the causation of gingivitis. The aim of this study was to establish the awareness of the general population on these causative a gents of periodontal disease. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among adult patients visiting the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital in the months of July to August 2006. Interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaires was administered to patients at the periodontology and oral diagnosis clinics A total of 150 patients were interviewed. Out of these, 136 (90.7%) were found to have good general knowledge on their periodontal health, 107 of the patients (71.3%) had good knowledge on plaque a causative factor of periodontal disease. Only 28% of patients had good attitude towards the different methods of plaque control, while 37.3% had good practice. This displayed a poor relationship between knowledge, attitude and practice. The conclusion was therefore that there is no relationship between the knowledge on the causative agents of periodontal disease and his/her attitude and practice towards the control of these factors. This was consistent with findings in other studies done elsewhere. There is therefore need to intensify the patient motivation programs at the hospital and initiate other programs towards patient motivation.