Knowledge, attitude and practice of medical doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya towards oral diseases

Abstract

Objective: To assess medical doctors' knowledge, attitude and practice towards oral diseases.
Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study
Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital
Subjects: 80 medical doctors, including pre-interns, interns, medical officers, registrars, and consultants currently practising at the Kenyatta National Hospital, were recruited in the study.
Material and Methods: A convenience sampling technique was employed to obtain participants who completed structured self- administered questionnaires. Responses were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: A total of 80 doctors, 22 (28%) females and 58 (72%) males, were recruited in this study. The majority, 31/80 (38.75%), had been  practising < 5 years. Regarding knowledge, 97.5% of the doctors knew there was a direct correlation between oral and systemic health, the primary source of oral health information being the internet. Regarding attitude, 90% responded positively towards all the  parameters assessed, and 87.5% recognized that they have a role to play in their patients' oral health. Regarding practice, 73.75% of  doctors had consulted a dentist on their patient's oral health, with an average referral rate of 1 patient/doctor/year. Only 6% of the  doctors regularly visited a dentist.
Conclusion: Although most participants demonstrated basic knowledge of the aetiology of oral disease and the relationship between  general and oral health, some gaps remain in the awareness and practice of oral health among medical practitioners. The potential for  medical doctors as active players in oral health must be emphasized, and continuing medical education in oral health should be adequately provided.