Assessment of Practice, Knowledge and Attitude towards Probiotics Among Dental Post-Graduate Students in Patna – A Questionnaire Study.

Abstract

Background: According to WHO, Probiotics are the live micro-organism which when administered in appropriate dose, confers health benefit to host. They play a pivotal role in smooth functioning of various metabolic activities by eliminating the potential pathogenic organism and thus increasing resistance to new colonization. Aim: The questionnaire-based study was framed to assess the practice, knowledge and attitude among dental post graduate students regarding probiotics. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was done by random sampling and conducted among dental post graduates, from BIDSH, Patna. The statistical analysis was done by a chi square test. Methodology:  The survey was done by using questionnaire based on previously published studies on the knowledge of probiotics. Inclusion criteria- All the first, second and third year dental post graduate were included in the study. Exclusion criteria – Those who were not aware of the terms of probiotic were excluded from the study. The questionnaire consisted 24 questions and it was distributed one to one in the department Results: Of a total of 105 post graduates, 63.81% of respondents were females and 36.19% of respondents were males. The study reveals that 96.14% of the respondents were aware of the term probiotics. 66.86% of respondents believed that probiotic can improve the oral health. Conclusion: The present study reveals a good knowledge of probiotics based on the response submitted by dental post graduates in Patna. There should be a community based program to understand its effects on oral health.