Oral Health and Hygiene Practices of Sanitation Workers in Educational Settings of Lucknow: A Questionnaire Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, Attitude and practice (KAP) of oral hygiene of sanitary workers.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional, KAP study was conducted among 400 sanitary workers of different educational settings of BBD University, Lucknow. Out of total sample collected 199 were males and 201 were females. Simple random sampling was done from all the sanitary workers. Total of 50 participants were recruited for the pilot study to check the feasibility of the study. All the participants were given a questionnaire with 20 variable, close ended, self administered questions. The first, second and third part of the questionnaire consisted of questions related to knowledge, attitude and practices of sanitary workers related to oral hygiene along with their prejudice beliefs for oral hygiene respectively. For each closed- ended question, scores were assigned to the response options in a descending order; 3 to the first response, 2 to the second and 1 to the third, irrespective of scientific appropriateness. The total KAP score was calculated by summing the scores across all questions for each participant.

Statistical Analysis and Results: Results clearly showed maximum population consisted of 20-50 years while the least were above 50 years. Among the study subjects, several gender-based differences in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) scores were observed. The choice of oral hygiene tool showed a significant variation, with a higher proportion of females (95.0%) preferring toothbrushes compared to males (77.9%), while the use of neem stick and salt was more common among males (p=0.001). Brushing frequency also differed, as a greater percentage of females reported brushing twice daily (73.1%) compared to males (63.3%) (p=0.023). The majority across all age groups preferred the toothbrush as the ideal oral hygiene tool, with no significant difference between groups (p=0.823). Awareness that sweets increase caries risk was significantly higher in the youngest age group (30.4%) compared to older groups (p=0.049). Brushing twice daily was more frequently reported among the younger participants (70.9%) compared to older age groups (p=0.046)

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, authors stated that this comprehensive analysis confirms that knowledge, attitude, and practice gaps in oral health are persistent and multi-factorial among health and sanitation workers in Lucknow and similar populations. Younger, better-educated groups perform better, but misconceptions and poor practices are widespread. The resulting high burden of oral diseases and addiction signals a need for renewed and sustained oral health promotion, tailored to demographic profiles and reinforced through multilevel behavioural change interventions.