| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2020 | Volume
: 9
| Issue : 1 | Page : 131-135 |
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Perceived oral health beliefs, traditional practices, and oral health status of nomads of Tamilnadu: A cross-sectional study
R Sindhu, Sunayana Manipal, Raj Mohan, VV Bharathwaj, N Divya Lalitha, D Prabu
Department of Public Health Dentistry, SRM Dental College and Hospital, Ramapuram, Chennai, India
Correspondence Address:
Dr. R Sindhu
SRM Dental College, Bharathi Salai, Ramapuram, Chennai - 600 089
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_618_19
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Aim: To assess the perceived oral health beliefs, traditional practices, and oral health status of nomads. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 115 nomads residing in various places of Tamilnadu. Information regarding socio-demographics such as age, gender, occupation, and place of residence were obtained. Study participants were interviewed with a pre-tested questionnaire consisting questions related to oral health beliefs and oral health practices. Clinical examination was carried out to record the oral health status using a proforma. Results: A significant Chi-square association was found with oral health-related beliefs (P < 0.01). However, 30.9% had perceived strong beliefs, 64.3% of the subjects used toothbrush, and 20% had at least one oral mucosal lesion. Conclusion: A significant proportion of nomads had perceived oral health beliefs, which had a significant association with their traditional practices and their oral health was much deteriorated.
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