Knowledge-attitude and practices of alcohol and smoking among undergraduate oral health students at a South African University

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.