Factors Associated With Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Oral Care Among Older Adults in Ire-Ekiti Community, Oye Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmhc.v1i2.8086Keywords:
Attitude, Knowledge, Older Adult, Oral Care, PracticeAbstract
This study examined factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral care among older adults in Ire-Ekiti Community, Oye Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. Data were collected from 381 residents aged 65 years and above using a structured questionnaire adapted from a validated oral care instrument and administered face-to-face. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression in SPSS. Findings showed that respondents were mainly female, married, rural residents with low levels of formal education and low monthly incomes. Knowledge of oral hygiene was moderate and positively associated with attitudes, and attitudes were positively associated with oral hygiene practices. Socio-demographic and environmental factors showed weak direct relationships with oral care behaviour. Regression analysis showed that knowledge, attitudes, practices, and socio-demographic and environmental influences accounted for 19.5% of the variance in the model (R² = 0.195, F = 22.79, p < 0.001). The study concludes that knowledge and attitudes are important behavioural drivers of oral care among older adults and recommends community-based oral health education and improved access to preventive dental care in rural settings.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ajetunmobi Adeshola Adelekan, Ajijola Anuoluwapo Deborah (Author)
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