Authors : Ahmed Ishag, Daris Adouma, Almoeiz Y Hammad
DOI : 10.5005/cjhr-11037-0023
Volume : 2
Issue : 1
Year : 2026
Page No : 21-26
Introduction: Periodontal disease affects 20–50% of the global population and is a leading cause of tooth loss; yet preventive behaviors remain suboptimal, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to compare periodontal health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) between dental and non-dental university students in Sudan. Methodology: A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted between September 2024 and January 2025 among 357 undergraduate students (32.2% dental, 67.8% non-dental) using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed using true/false/ “I do not know” items, attitudes via 5-point Likert scales, and behaviors through self-reported oral hygiene practices and dental visit history. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression examined associations between demographic factors and KAB outcomes. Results: Overall, knowledge was moderate (56.5% correct), with only 18.7% demonstrating high knowledge. Attitudes were generally positive (mean 3.63/5); yet behaviors were suboptimal: 54.1% brushed twice daily, 10.2% flossed regularly, and 29.1% visited a dentist in the past year. Social media was the primary information source (68.9%). Dental students significantly outperformed non-dental students across all domains (p < 0.001), with differences of 33–36 percentage points. Later-year students showed higher knowledge (p = 0.002) and more positive attitudes (p = 0.035) than early-year students. No significant gender differences were observed. Multivariate analysis confirmed that faculty type (dental vs non-dental) was the strongest independent predictor of high knowledge [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.45–9.82, p < 0.001] and positive attitudes (AOR = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.98–8.26, p < 0.001), after controlling for academic year and gender. Conclusion: A substantial KAB gap exists among Sudanese university students, with dental students demonstrating superior outcomes. The high reliance on social media presents both opportunities and challenges for evidence-based oral health promotion. To address these gaps, universities should integrate oral health education into non-dental curricula, and health authorities should leverage social media for evidence-based campaigns. Keywords: Dental students, Knowledge attitudes and behaviors,