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Shiri F. Awareness, performance and oral health behaviors among pharmacists and pharmacy staff in Isfahan regarding oral health . J Dent Med-tums 2026; 39 : 12
URL: http://jdm.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6387-en.html
URL: http://jdm.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6387-en.html
1- Dentist, School of Dentistry, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract: (53 Views)
Background and Aims: Pharmacies can serve as an appropriate setting for the provision of oral health care, including preventive services, early detection, and referrals. The present study aimed to assess the awareness, performance and oral health behaviors as well as self-perceived oral health among pharmacists and pharmacy staff in Isfahan.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 using a random sampling method across pharmacies in Isfahan. In total, 176 pharmacists and pharmacy staff completed a standard self-administered questionnaire in person, regarding their awareness, performance, and behaviors related to oral health, as well as their self- perceived oral health. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation coefficient in SPSS software version 27 (P<0.05).
Results: Oral health knowledge was rated as poor in 34 individuals (19.3%), moderate in 89 (50.6%), and good in 53 (30.1%). Pharmacists’ knowledge score was significantly higher than that of other pharmacy staff (P=0.002). The most commonly reported service provided to clients by participants was offering analgesics for pain relief (61.9%). While, less than half of the participants reported providing information on oral hygiene (36.9%) or referring clients to a dentist (40.9%). Oral health behaviors including brushing teeth at least twice a day (80.4%), regular use of fluoride toothpaste (97.2%), visiting a dentist during the past year (55.1%), and non smoking (67.0%) were favorable among most participants. However, flossing (50.6%) and frequent snacking (65.3%) were unfavorable in majority of individuals.
Conclusion: Considering the moderate level of oral health knowledge and the presence of some unfavorable behaviors such as insufficient use of dental floss and frequent snacking, it is recommended to implement educational programs to improve knowledge and promote positive oral health behaviors
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 using a random sampling method across pharmacies in Isfahan. In total, 176 pharmacists and pharmacy staff completed a standard self-administered questionnaire in person, regarding their awareness, performance, and behaviors related to oral health, as well as their self- perceived oral health. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation coefficient in SPSS software version 27 (P<0.05).
Results: Oral health knowledge was rated as poor in 34 individuals (19.3%), moderate in 89 (50.6%), and good in 53 (30.1%). Pharmacists’ knowledge score was significantly higher than that of other pharmacy staff (P=0.002). The most commonly reported service provided to clients by participants was offering analgesics for pain relief (61.9%). While, less than half of the participants reported providing information on oral hygiene (36.9%) or referring clients to a dentist (40.9%). Oral health behaviors including brushing teeth at least twice a day (80.4%), regular use of fluoride toothpaste (97.2%), visiting a dentist during the past year (55.1%), and non smoking (67.0%) were favorable among most participants. However, flossing (50.6%) and frequent snacking (65.3%) were unfavorable in majority of individuals.
Conclusion: Considering the moderate level of oral health knowledge and the presence of some unfavorable behaviors such as insufficient use of dental floss and frequent snacking, it is recommended to implement educational programs to improve knowledge and promote positive oral health behaviors
Article number: 12
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
dental public health
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