Assessment of Knowledge Attitudes and Practices of Students Regarding Oral Hygiene at Herat University

Introduction: Oral health is an integral part of overall human health, and neglecting it can lead to serious complications such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and even systemic disorders. The level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among individuals plays a decisive role in the prevention and control of these problems. The students of Herat University, as a young and educated segment of society, not only bear the responsibility of maintaining their own personal health but can also serve as positive role models in promoting oral hygiene culture among the wider community. Assessing their knowledge, attitude, and practice in this regard provides a clear picture of the current situation and serves as a guide for designing effective educational and health intervention programs in the future. Materials and Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study conducted among 392 male students of Herat University using a standardized questionnaire developed by the researcher. The main objective was to assess the students’ level of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward oral hygiene. Data were analyzed using SPSS software through descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The findings revealed that among 392 male students of Herat University, 70.4% had adequate knowledge and 29.6% had low knowledge regarding oral hygiene. In terms of attitude, 59.9% showed a positive attitude while 40.1% had a non-positive attitude. Regarding practice, the majority (67.9%) demonstrated poor practice, 30.9% had moderate practice, and only 1.3% showed good practice. Statistical analysis indicated a significant relationship between field of study and knowledge level (p < 0.05), and students with better economic status had higher knowledge scores. However, no statistically significant associations were found between age, marital status, academic year, or place of residence with knowledge, attitude, and practice. Moreover, there was a positive and significant correlation between knowledge and practice as well as between attitude and practice, whereas no significant relationship was observed between knowledge and attitude. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that male students of Herat University possess a relatively good level of knowledge and attitude toward oral hygiene; however, their practical implementation of oral hygiene behaviors remains weak. This condition may be due to insufficient practical training and the lack of habitual incorporation of hygienic behaviors into daily routines. The findings highlight the need for enhanced practical education, targeted awareness programs, and continuous health promotion interventions at the university level to strengthen and institutionalize correct oral hygiene behaviors among students.