AN EXPLORATION OF MISCONCEPTIONS & BELIEFS RELATED TO ORAL HEALTH IN INDIA

To know the prevalence of misconceptions and cultural beliefs related to oral health among the patients visiting the out-patient department (OPD) at Era Lucknow Medical College, Lucknow. In this crosssectional study 500 volunteering subjects, who belonged to the age group of 18 yrs and above, were selected randomly. They were provided with a self administered structured questionnaire which included twenty two dichotomous questions which were already pretested through a pilot study. The study reveals that there is still actual presence of various myths and misconceptions among our population. Such beliefs and practices were seen more common in people with poor educational background and low socioeconomic status. The data collected in our study also reveals that various misconceptions has been successfully eradicated through education and various health awareness programmes, thus emphasizes the role of our health providers in spreading awareness and knowledge among the local population. Overall the study reveals the presence of various false beliefs and myths in our population, but along with this the study also highlights the importance and success of various health awareness programmes and educational modules in eradicating these misconceptions.