Knowledge and Attitude of Health Specialties Students Toward Psychological and Depression Medicines on Oral Health

Background: Oral health is a combination of social, psychological, and physiological factors that are critical for our quality of life. Many commonly prescribed antidepressants and antipsychotics are somehow associated with profound oral health side effects. While dental professionals are well-educated in these effects, the awareness among other health specialty students remains unclear. Since they are involved in patient care and medication prescription, their knowledge at this point is crucial. The study seeks to assess knowledge and awareness levels about the impact of psychological and depression medicines on oral health. In addition, it aims to evaluate their confidence in discussing these effects with patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire among 351 health specialty students from medicine, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and health administration, excluding dental students. The data were analyzed to determine knowledge and attitude levels and differences among specialties. Results: The total knowledge score ranged from 10 to 45, with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 28.20 ± 7.91. The mean attitude score ranged from 10 to 50, with a mean ± SD of 32.70 ± 9.01. Male students scored significantly higher than females in both knowledge (29.23 ± 6.86 vs. 27.45 ± 8.53; P = 0.033) and attitude (33.84 ± 7.27 vs. 31.87 ± 10.03; P = 0.036). Students from governmental universities had higher knowledge (30.79 ± 7.33 vs. 26.82 ± 7.88; P < 0.001) and attitude (36.04 ± 7.85 vs. 30.92 ± 9.10; P < 0.001) scores compared to private universities. A strong positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.777, P < 0.001), suggesting that improving knowledge may enhance attitude. Conclusion: Different attitudes toward antidepressants and antipsychotic medicines are common among health specialty students. It is therefore necessary to improve their knowledge levels toward the impact of such drugs on oral health.