Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: May | Volume: 9 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 93-97
Awareness Regarding Oral Health & COTPA Act - 2003 among Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) Stationed In Tumkur; a Brief Report
Dr. Mythri H1, Dr. Bharteesh J V2
1Reader, 2Professor & HOD,
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Siddhartha Dental College, SAHE University, Agalkote,
Tumkur - 572107
Corresponding Author: Dr. Mythri H
ABSTRACT
Oral health is an integral part of general health, and police personnel who are from a varied work environment are often exposed to high physical strain & mental stress. This complicates their social life which inadvertently has a derogative effect on their general health & oral health. Awareness among police personnel regarding the COTPA act 2003 is deemed to be important as certain regulations are to be implemented by them.
Methodology: A cross-sectional, questionnaire study was conducted among the KSRP stationed in Tumkur. Questionnaire consisted of 15 questions regarding awareness & eight questions regarding oral health practices.
Results: 43.3% rated their oral health as good & 70% brushed once daily. 77% officers reported they were aware that tobacco & its products cause oral cancer but 50% of the officers reported that they were not aware of the COTPA Act 2003.
Conclusion: There is a wide gap between awareness & practice regarding oral health among police personnel.
Key words: Oral Health, COTPA ACT 2003, Police personnel, Awareness, Practice.