Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was conducted to investigate the educational experience, knowledge levels, and attitudes of dental hygiene students with respect to mental disorders. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The subjects were dental hygiene students who had experienced clinical practice and the survey items consisted of 13 questions for knowledge level, 15 questions for perception, and 10 questions for attitude. The questionnaire included items regarding the experience of managing a patient with a mental disorder and the educational experience regarding mental disorders. A total of 650 questionnaires were computerized for analysis using SPSS 20.0. Findings: The results of the present study showed that the percentage of dental hygiene students who have experienced an educational course related to mental disorders was about 70%, their knowledge level score was 74.2 points, and the percentage of students who demanded education in this area was 85.7%. These findings indicate that the relevant education is insufficient in South Korea, because the information regarding mental disorders is partly considered in oral medicine, clinical dental hygiene, and dentistry for the disabled, not in a separate educational course on mental disorders. In addition, the students who had received education regarding mental disorders or who had experience in managing patients with a mental disorder showed higher levels of positive attitude, consideration, and concern, and low levels of negative exclusion and avoidance. Therefore, providing an appropriate educational opportunity with regard to mental disorders may effectively improve the knowledge level and attitudes of dental hygiene students. Improvements/Applications: The results of this study may be used as fundamental data for the development of an educational program to improve the perception and attitudes about mental disorders.

Keywords: Attitude, Dental Hygiene Students,Knowledge Level, Mental Disorders, Perception