Oral health knowledge and attitude among public health nurse students at Muhimbili Public Health Nurse Shool [sic]; Tanzania : an assessment before oral education sessions are conducted

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper was to assess the oral health knowledge and attitude of public health nurse students at Muhimbili Public Health Nurse School. The questionnaire was used to assess both knowledge and attitude. A total of 43 students participated in this study. The results show that the group had high knowledge on etiology and prevention of tooth decay (81.4 per cent); but very low knowledge on the etiology and prevention of gingivitis (21 and 44 per cent respectively). A high proportion of the participants showed positive attitude towards oral health. Since tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth loss in Tanzania; it can be concluded that the oral health knowledge and attitude of the public health nurses students 1989/90 was adequate for them as future oral health educators in Tanzania