Integrating community knowledge and practices to complement common risk factor strategy

Prevention is increasingly becoming a key focus of health policies including dental public health. In global context, understanding of life styles and behaviors assist in formulating comprehensive strategies which encourage risk-reduction to improve oral health related mortality and morbidity. In order to underscore community's health perceptions and practices as important component of effective health prevention strategy, a KAP study was undertaken. The study sample comprised of 2647 undergraduate students from ten universities and institutions. Respondents were presented with questionnaire which included variables to analyze knowledge and attitudes, dietary trends and tobacco consumption. Responses were analyzed and majority of students reported understanding dental health rationale of fluoride as component of toothpaste formulations. Moreover, consumption of carbonated beverages was frequent but lesser than fresh fruits and juices. Prevalence of daily cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco showed gender differences. Public participation in health sector decision-making has potential of shaping behaviors to complement preventive approach to dental as well as general health.