Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dysphagia clinicians regarding oral health-An international study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dysphagia clinicians regarding oral health care.

Methodology and results: An 11-question and 37-statement survey inquiring the clinicians' descriptive information, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to oral health was administered via Google forms. A total of 234 dysphagia clinicians responded on behalf of themselves. The findings showed that 41.5% (n = 97) of the clinicians had a high level of knowledge about oral health. There was a significant relationship between the level of oral health knowledge and the clinicians' oral health education (p < .05). A percentage of 6.4 (n = 15) of the clinicians had a high level of attitude toward oral health. Oral health education status of clinicians and their profession was significantly related to the attitude toward oral health (p < .05). Most of the clinicians (44.0%, n = 103) had low behavior level. The level of behavior was significantly associated with status of receiving oral health education, their professions, duration of experience, and institution (p < .05).

Conclusions: The study showed that clinicians exhibit moderate mean knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors scores, and these states are significantly associated with oral health education. This can serve as a stimulus for clinicians caring for dysphagia patients to receive oral health education during their university education.

Keywords: attitude; behavior; dysphagia clinicians; knowledge; oral health.