Analysis of the level of information, habits and knowledge of university students about the importance and relationship of physical activity and oral health
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate university students' awareness, habits, and knowledge concerning the relationship between physical activity and oral health as part of overall well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 345 students from the University of East Sarajevo, comprising 132 males (38.26%) and 213 females (61.74%), aged 19 to 27. The survey included 20 closed-ended questions. Results revealed that 77.69% of participants were non-smokers, with every fifth participant reporting physical inactivity and 64.34% engaging in physical activity one to three times a week. A third of the students exercised for over 60 minutes, while 44.05% exercised for 15-45 minutes. Most respondents (53.91%) brushed their teeth twice daily, with 45.51% brushing for 2-3 minutes. Over half (55.36%) were aware of the positive effects of physical activity on both general and oral health. However, 26.96% were unaware that poor oral health could impact physical activity quality. Some students feared dental procedures (18.85%) or did not use supplementary oral hygiene products (10.72%). A smaller percentage (8.40%) would use performance-enhancing drugs, and 50.44% were unaware of their adverse effects on oral and overall health. Additionally, 28.92% did not know the importance of mouthguards in contact sports. While 42% knew that a knocked-out tooth can be reimplanted, only 30.14% knew how to do it. Most (89.28%) recognized the harmful effects of carbonated drinks on health. Over half (59.13%) changed their toothbrush every three months, and 49.86% visited the dentist only when necessary. The study concludes that students at the University of East Sarajevo have a commendable level of knowledge regarding the relationship between physical activity and oral health.
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1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.
© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013
2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.
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