Cognizance towards common risk factor approach among adult population in Dharwad City, Northern Karnataka - A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health and general health are always interlinked with each other. The Common risk factor approach is a way that tackles the risk factors common to several chronic diseases including mouth and teeth.

Aim: The present survey was conducted to assess the awareness towards common risk factor approach and identify sources of health information amongst various demographic parameters of the adult population in northern Karnataka.

Materials and Method: A self-administered, questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 900 adult individuals in Dharwad city of Karnataka using convenient sampling technique. The participants were interviewed under three sections which included demographic characteristics, knowledge towards major seven risk factors (sugar, stress, smoking, alcohol, hygiene, education, income) affecting oral and general health, and frequently used sources for health-related information. The responses recorded were subjected to statistical analysis using the Chi‑square test. The level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results: Of all the risk factors, the majority of participants (88.4%) responded lack of hygiene as a risk factor to skin problems and oral health whereas only 11.5% identified stress as one of the reasons causing heart and gums disease. Around 30.56% reported television as the most utilized information source followed by doctors (24%), books (18.11%), and internet (5.78%).

Conclusion: Substantial awareness needs to be created among people from all walks of life as they lack information in some of the aspects regarding common risk factors of oral and general health.