Knowledge-attitude and practices of alcohol and smoking among undergraduate oral health students at a South African University
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Date
Authors
Nkambule, Ntombizodwa Rosemary
Bhayat, Ahmed
Madiba, Thomas Khomotjo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Dental Association
Abstract
BACKGROUND : The prevalence of alcohol consumption and
smoking among university students is high.
AIM : To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of
alcohol consumption and smoking among undergraduate oral
health students at a South African university.
METHODS : A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental
and oral hygiene students (n=344) who were registered at
a South African University in 2015. A self-administered questionnaire
was used to collect information on socio-demographic
characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding
consumption of alcohol and smoking. Data analysis included
frequencies and correlations using chi-square tests,at a level of
significance of p<0.05.
RESULTS : A total of 269 (78%) students agreed to participate.
The mean age was 22 years and 74% were female. More than
a third (41%) reported consuming alcohol regularly while 11%
reported being current smokers. More males reported indulging
in both habits as compared with females.
More than half felt that alcohol was acceptable as a social drink.
The majority of clinical students (86%) associated periodontal
diseases with smoking compared with pre-clinical students
(74%).
CONCLUSION : The overall knowledge on social and health implications
of excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking was
adequate. The majority associated alcohol consumption and
smoking with social activity.
Description
Keywords
Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Alcohol and smoking, Undergraduate university students
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Nkambule, N.R., Bhayat, A, & Madiba, T.K. 2018, 'Knowledge-attitude and practices of alcohol and smoking among undergraduate oral health students at a South African University', South African Dental Journal, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 27-30.