Aim: This study was to establish a baseline level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of oral health promotion (OHP) among oral health providers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study also described and evaluated the factors that facilitate or limit the practice of OHP and examined the relationship between the level of knowledge and attitude that practitioners have of OHP and their OHP practice.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire included demographic questions and questions on the KAP of oral health promotion. Out of 365 questionnaires that were disseminated, 106 questionnaires were fully completed. Cross- tabulation was conducted to establish factors associated with KAP scores. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors that were associated with the practice of OHP.
Results: The baseline level of oral health providers' knowledge and attitude toward OHP was fair. Only a few providers have integrated OHP into their practice. Age of participants was significantly associated with knowledge of OHP among the providers. Also, there was a significant difference in mean attitude scores toward OHP by education level. The practice of OHP was significantly related to education level and facility type.
Conclusion: Further research focusing on different cities or geographical regions in the KSA is needed to validate this finding. Also, the finding supports the need for continuous training in OHP to ensure that health providers understand and apply OHP practices in their work.
Clinical significance: Due to the scarcity of data that measure OHP among oral health providers in the KSA, proper education and training programs by governmental authorities are difficult to implement. This study will provide baseline measures for future investigations for academicians and practitioners, alike.
Keywords: Attitude; Knowledge; Oral health promotion; Oral health providers Practice..