Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the socio-demographic characteristics of international students studying at a state university, their level of knowledge regarding oral and dental health, and their attitudes and behaviours towards this subject.
Method: The study population consists of international students enrolled at xxxxx University. The research was conducted between May 15, 2024, and November 15, 2024, covering a total population of 600 students. The sample group included 227 students who voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face and online questionnaires. The Oral Health Attitude Scale, developed by Fidan et al. (2023), was used in the study. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 software package. Since the assumptions of parametric tests were not met, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied for comparisons between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was applied for comparisons among three or more groups. Furthermore, the relationships between the socio-demographic characteristics of students and their oral health attitudes and behaviours were evaluated.
Results: Among the participants, 62.6% were male and 37.4% were female; 52% were between the ages of 17–20, 33.5% were between 21–24, and 14.5% were 25 years and older. In terms of educational level, 55.1% of the participants were undergraduate students, 27.8% were associate degree students, and 17.2% were enrolled in graduate programs. Regarding family income levels, 26.4% reported an income of 26,000 TL or below, 26.4% between 26,001–45,000 TL, 26.4% between 45,001–60,000 TL, and 20.7% reported an income of 60,001 TL or above.
Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that international students have not received sufficient education regarding oral and dental health. Therefore, it is important to plan educational programs on oral and dental health for international students in Türkiye and to increase their awareness in this field. Adequate oral health directly influences an individual’s overall well-being and plays a crucial role in functions such as speaking, smiling, and contributing positively to social interactions.
References
- 1. Petersen PE, Bourgeois D, Ogawa H, Estupinan-Day S, Ndiaye C. The global burden of oral diseases and risks to oral health. Bull World Health Organ 2005;83(9):661–669.
- 2. Gümüşok M, Ertuğrul AN. Evaluation of the factors affecting patients’ choice of health institution in dental services. Ankara J Health Sci 2021;10(2):47–57.
- 3. Glick M, Williams DM, Kleinman DV, Vujicic M, Watt RG, Weyant RJ. A new definition for oral health developed by the FDI World Dental Federation opens the door to a universal definition of oral health. J Am Dent Assoc 2016;147(12):915–917.
- 4. Baiju RM, Peter E, Varghese NO, Sivaram R. Oral health and quality of life: Current concepts. J Clin Diagn Res 2017;11(6):ZE21–ZE26.
- 5. Patel J, Wallace J, Doshi M, Gadanya M, Ben Yahya I, Roseman J, Srisilapanan P. Oral health for healthy ageing. Lancet Healthy Longev 2021;2(9):521–527.
- 6. Çetinkaya H, Romaniuk P. Relationship between consumption of soft and alcoholic drinks and oral health problems. Cent Eur J Public Health 2020;28(2):94–102.
- 7. Mekhemar M, Conrad J, Attia S, Dörfer C. Oral health attitudes among preclinical and clinical dental students in Germany. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020;17(12):4253.
- 8. Baltacıoğlu E, Demir Dikmen R, Baltacı Yıldız EA. Examination of the behaviors and opinions of Bingöl University Faculty of Dentistry students regarding oral and dental health. BÜSAD 2022;3(1):104–116.
- 9. Ağadayı E, Aydın S, Nemmezi Karaca S, Küçükceran H, Teker B. Knowledge and behaviors of adults admitted to a family medicine outpatient clinic in a rural area regarding oral health. Turk J Fam Med 2018;22:193-201.
- 10. Hadler-Olsen E, Jönsson B. Oral health and use of dental services in different stages of adulthood in Norway: a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health 2021;21(1):257.
- 11. Mueller M, Schorle S, Vach K, Hartmann A, Zeeck A, Schlueter N. Relationship between dental experiences, oral hygiene education and self-reported oral hygiene behaviour. PLoS One 2022;17(2):264–306.
- 12. Menegaz AM, Silva AER, Cascaes AM. Educational interventions in health services and oral health: systematic review. Rev Saude Publica 2018;52:52.
- 13. Yıldız S, Doğan B. Self-reported dental health attitudes and behaviour of dental students in Turkey. Eur J Dent 2011;5(3):253–259.
- 14. Almutairi AF. Cultural competence and communication in healthcare. Saudi Med J 2015;36(4):391–395.
- 15. Sargent C, Larchanché S. Cultural difference and health services: a focus on migrant patients. Health Place 2011;17(1):142–148.
- 16. Smith L, Khawaja NG. A review of the acculturation experiences of international students. Int J Intercult Relat 2011;35(6):699–713.
- 17. Hasan, M., Li, XG, Valentino, W., & Ray, A. (2017). Barriers to Healthcare Access for International Students in China. Mymensingh Medical Journal: MMJ, 26(1), 184-193.
- 18. Maharaj, R., Ndwiga, D., & Chutiyami, M. (2025). Mental health and wellbeing of international students in Australia: a systematic review. Journal of mental health (Abingdon, England), 34(4), 431–449.
- 19. Zhang N, Dixon DN. Acculturation and attitudes of Asian international students toward seeking psychological help. J Multicult Couns Dev 2003;31:205–222.
- 20. Wang H, Xia Y. Chinese college students seeking psychological help from professionals—Rationally should but emotionally not? Sociol Study 2017;7(4):212-222.
- 21. Antonija T, Renata PG, Josipa D, Lidia G. Oral hygiene practices and oral health knowledge among students in Split, Croatia. Healthcare 2022;10(2):406.
- 22. Spalj S, Spalj VT, Ivanković L, Plancak D. Oral health-related risk behaviours and attitudes among Croatian adolescents: multiple logistic regression analysis. Coll Antropol 2014;38(1):261–267.
- 23. Reic T, Galic T, Milatic K, Negovetic Vranic D. Influence of nutritional and oral hygiene habits on oral health in Croatian island children of school age. Eur J Paediatr Dent 2019;20(3):183–188.
- 24. Gavić L, Maretic A, Putica S, Tadin A. Attitudes and knowledge of pregnant women about oral health. J Educ Health Promot 2022;11:77.
- 25. Eren Halıcı S, Yılmaz F, Cartı Dörterler Ö. Evaluation of oral hygiene habits and oral and dental health knowledge levels of adults in Muğla province. Ege Univ J Dent 2023;44(1):51–59.
- 26. Fidan M, Mutluer C, Fidan M. Development of a scale for measuring university students’ attitudes toward oral health. Eur Oral Res. Advance online publication 2024;58:108-119
- 27. Tavşancıl E. Tutumların ölçülmesi ve SPSS ile veri analizi. Ankara: Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık; 2010.
- 28. Özdemir SB, Özdemir B, Özakar İlday N. Comparison of the knowledge levels of first- and fifth-year students of Atatürk University Faculty of Dentistry regarding oral and dental health. Int Dent Sci J 2020;6(1):32–37.
- 29. Kaydırak M, Şahin N, Koray M. Gebelerin ağız ve diş sağlığına ilişkin bilgi ve görüşleri. Süleyman Demirel Univ Sağlık Bilim Derg 2018;9(4):12–18.
- 30. Üstün K, Özdemir EÇ, Sezer U, Şenyurt S, Cebesoy FB, Erciyas K. Evaluation of periodontal awareness and dental anxiety in pregnant individuals in light of socio-demographic data. İnönü Univ J Health Sci 2013;2(1):14–15.
- 31. Arıkan A, Özkan G, Pirinçci S, Abacıgil F. Evaluation of oral and dental health habits and knowledge levels of medical students. Atatürk Univ J Dent 2019;29(2):189–196.
- 32. Başak SS, Küçük U. Determination of oral and dental health and oral care levels among university staff: the case of Artvin Çoruh University. J Health Sci 2021;30(2):159–164.
- 33. Tadakamadla SK, Tadakamadla J, Tibdewal H, Duraiswamy P, Kulkarni P. Dental caries in relation to socio-behavioral factors of 6-year-old schoolchildren of Udaipur district, India. Dent Res J 2012;9(6):681–687.
- 34. Özyurt M. Barriers to accessing oral and dental health services. Artuklu Int J Health Sci 2021;1(1):31–39.
- 35. Hadgkiss EJ, Renzaho AMN. The physical health status, service utilisation and barriers to accessing care for asylum seekers residing in the community: a systematic review of the literature. Aust Health Rev 2014;38(2):142–159.
- 36. Burul Tiyek H, Cankul İH. Examination of the health literacy levels of patients visiting an oral and dental health center [in Turkish]. Akşehir Vocational School Journal of Social Sciences 2025; 19: 73–88.
Abstract
Amaç: Bu araştırmanın amacı, bir devlet üniversitesinde öğrenim gören uluslararası öğrencilerin sosyo-demografik özellikleri ile ağız ve diş sağlığı konusundaki bilgi düzeyleri ve bu konudaki tutumlarının incelenmesidir.
Yöntem: Araştırmanın evrenini, xxxxx Üniversitesinde öğrenim görmekte olan uluslararası öğrenciler oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma, 15 Mayıs 2024 ile 15 Kasım 2024 tarihleri arasında yürütülmüş olup, evreni 600 öğrenci kapsamaktadır. Örneklem grubunu ise araştırmaya gönüllü olarak katılan 227 öğrenci oluşturmuştur. Veriler, yüz yüze ve çevrim içi anket yöntemleri aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Araştırmada, Fidan ve ark. (2023) tarafından geliştirilen Ağız Sağlığı Tutum Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler, SPSS 23.0 paket programında analiz edilmiştir. Ölçek puanlarının karşılaştırılmasında parametrik test varsayımları sağlanamadığından, ikili gruplarda Mann-Whitney U testi, üç ve daha fazla grupta ise Kruskal-Wallis H testi uygulanmıştır. Ayrıca öğrencilerin sosyo-demografik özellikleri ile ağız sağlığı tutumları arasındaki ilişkiler değerlendirilmiştir.
Bulgular: Araştırmaya katılan öğrencilerin %62,6’sı erkek, %37,4’ü kadın olup; %52’si 17–20 yaş aralığında, %33,5’i 21–24 yaş aralığında ve %14,5’i 25 yaş ve üzerindedir. Öğrenim düzeylerine göre katılımcıların %55,1’i lisans, %27,8’i ön lisans ve %17,2’si lisansüstü programlarda eğitim görmektedir. Katılımcıların aile gelir düzeyleri incelendiğinde, %26,4’ü 26.000 TL ve altı, %26,4’ü 26.001–45.000 TL arası, %26,4’ü 45.001–60.000 TL arası ve %20,7’si 60.001 TL ve üzeri gelire sahip olduklarını belirtmiştir.
Sonuç: Çalışmanın bulguları, uluslararası öğrencilerin ağız ve diş sağlığı konusunda yeterli düzeyde eğitim almadıklarını ortaya koymaktadır. Bu nedenle, Türkiye’ye gelen uluslararası öğrencilere yönelik ağız ve diş sağlığı eğitimlerinin planlanması ve bu alandaki farkındalıklarının artırılması önem arz etmektedir. Nitelikli ağız sağlığı, bireyin genel refahı üzerinde doğrudan etkili olup; konuşma, gülümseme ve sosyal ilişkilerde yaratıcı katkılar sağlama gibi işlevlerde belirleyici bir rol oynamaktadır.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Sağlığa Yönelik Tutum, Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı, Uluslararası Öğrenci, Sağlık
References
- 1. Petersen PE, Bourgeois D, Ogawa H, Estupinan-Day S, Ndiaye C. The global burden of oral diseases and risks to oral health. Bull World Health Organ 2005;83(9):661–669.
- 2. Gümüşok M, Ertuğrul AN. Evaluation of the factors affecting patients’ choice of health institution in dental services. Ankara J Health Sci 2021;10(2):47–57.
- 3. Glick M, Williams DM, Kleinman DV, Vujicic M, Watt RG, Weyant RJ. A new definition for oral health developed by the FDI World Dental Federation opens the door to a universal definition of oral health. J Am Dent Assoc 2016;147(12):915–917.
- 4. Baiju RM, Peter E, Varghese NO, Sivaram R. Oral health and quality of life: Current concepts. J Clin Diagn Res 2017;11(6):ZE21–ZE26.
- 5. Patel J, Wallace J, Doshi M, Gadanya M, Ben Yahya I, Roseman J, Srisilapanan P. Oral health for healthy ageing. Lancet Healthy Longev 2021;2(9):521–527.
- 6. Çetinkaya H, Romaniuk P. Relationship between consumption of soft and alcoholic drinks and oral health problems. Cent Eur J Public Health 2020;28(2):94–102.
- 7. Mekhemar M, Conrad J, Attia S, Dörfer C. Oral health attitudes among preclinical and clinical dental students in Germany. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020;17(12):4253.
- 8. Baltacıoğlu E, Demir Dikmen R, Baltacı Yıldız EA. Examination of the behaviors and opinions of Bingöl University Faculty of Dentistry students regarding oral and dental health. BÜSAD 2022;3(1):104–116.
- 9. Ağadayı E, Aydın S, Nemmezi Karaca S, Küçükceran H, Teker B. Knowledge and behaviors of adults admitted to a family medicine outpatient clinic in a rural area regarding oral health. Turk J Fam Med 2018;22:193-201.
- 10. Hadler-Olsen E, Jönsson B. Oral health and use of dental services in different stages of adulthood in Norway: a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health 2021;21(1):257.
- 11. Mueller M, Schorle S, Vach K, Hartmann A, Zeeck A, Schlueter N. Relationship between dental experiences, oral hygiene education and self-reported oral hygiene behaviour. PLoS One 2022;17(2):264–306.
- 12. Menegaz AM, Silva AER, Cascaes AM. Educational interventions in health services and oral health: systematic review. Rev Saude Publica 2018;52:52.
- 13. Yıldız S, Doğan B. Self-reported dental health attitudes and behaviour of dental students in Turkey. Eur J Dent 2011;5(3):253–259.
- 14. Almutairi AF. Cultural competence and communication in healthcare. Saudi Med J 2015;36(4):391–395.
- 15. Sargent C, Larchanché S. Cultural difference and health services: a focus on migrant patients. Health Place 2011;17(1):142–148.
- 16. Smith L, Khawaja NG. A review of the acculturation experiences of international students. Int J Intercult Relat 2011;35(6):699–713.
- 17. Hasan, M., Li, XG, Valentino, W., & Ray, A. (2017). Barriers to Healthcare Access for International Students in China. Mymensingh Medical Journal: MMJ, 26(1), 184-193.
- 18. Maharaj, R., Ndwiga, D., & Chutiyami, M. (2025). Mental health and wellbeing of international students in Australia: a systematic review. Journal of mental health (Abingdon, England), 34(4), 431–449.
- 19. Zhang N, Dixon DN. Acculturation and attitudes of Asian international students toward seeking psychological help. J Multicult Couns Dev 2003;31:205–222.
- 20. Wang H, Xia Y. Chinese college students seeking psychological help from professionals—Rationally should but emotionally not? Sociol Study 2017;7(4):212-222.
- 21. Antonija T, Renata PG, Josipa D, Lidia G. Oral hygiene practices and oral health knowledge among students in Split, Croatia. Healthcare 2022;10(2):406.
- 22. Spalj S, Spalj VT, Ivanković L, Plancak D. Oral health-related risk behaviours and attitudes among Croatian adolescents: multiple logistic regression analysis. Coll Antropol 2014;38(1):261–267.
- 23. Reic T, Galic T, Milatic K, Negovetic Vranic D. Influence of nutritional and oral hygiene habits on oral health in Croatian island children of school age. Eur J Paediatr Dent 2019;20(3):183–188.
- 24. Gavić L, Maretic A, Putica S, Tadin A. Attitudes and knowledge of pregnant women about oral health. J Educ Health Promot 2022;11:77.
- 25. Eren Halıcı S, Yılmaz F, Cartı Dörterler Ö. Evaluation of oral hygiene habits and oral and dental health knowledge levels of adults in Muğla province. Ege Univ J Dent 2023;44(1):51–59.
- 26. Fidan M, Mutluer C, Fidan M. Development of a scale for measuring university students’ attitudes toward oral health. Eur Oral Res. Advance online publication 2024;58:108-119
- 27. Tavşancıl E. Tutumların ölçülmesi ve SPSS ile veri analizi. Ankara: Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık; 2010.
- 28. Özdemir SB, Özdemir B, Özakar İlday N. Comparison of the knowledge levels of first- and fifth-year students of Atatürk University Faculty of Dentistry regarding oral and dental health. Int Dent Sci J 2020;6(1):32–37.
- 29. Kaydırak M, Şahin N, Koray M. Gebelerin ağız ve diş sağlığına ilişkin bilgi ve görüşleri. Süleyman Demirel Univ Sağlık Bilim Derg 2018;9(4):12–18.
- 30. Üstün K, Özdemir EÇ, Sezer U, Şenyurt S, Cebesoy FB, Erciyas K. Evaluation of periodontal awareness and dental anxiety in pregnant individuals in light of socio-demographic data. İnönü Univ J Health Sci 2013;2(1):14–15.
- 31. Arıkan A, Özkan G, Pirinçci S, Abacıgil F. Evaluation of oral and dental health habits and knowledge levels of medical students. Atatürk Univ J Dent 2019;29(2):189–196.
- 32. Başak SS, Küçük U. Determination of oral and dental health and oral care levels among university staff: the case of Artvin Çoruh University. J Health Sci 2021;30(2):159–164.
- 33. Tadakamadla SK, Tadakamadla J, Tibdewal H, Duraiswamy P, Kulkarni P. Dental caries in relation to socio-behavioral factors of 6-year-old schoolchildren of Udaipur district, India. Dent Res J 2012;9(6):681–687.
- 34. Özyurt M. Barriers to accessing oral and dental health services. Artuklu Int J Health Sci 2021;1(1):31–39.
- 35. Hadgkiss EJ, Renzaho AMN. The physical health status, service utilisation and barriers to accessing care for asylum seekers residing in the community: a systematic review of the literature. Aust Health Rev 2014;38(2):142–159.
- 36. Burul Tiyek H, Cankul İH. Examination of the health literacy levels of patients visiting an oral and dental health center [in Turkish]. Akşehir Vocational School Journal of Social Sciences 2025; 19: 73–88.
Details
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Dental Public Health |
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | November 13, 2025 |
| Publication Date | December 29, 2025 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 28 Issue: 4 |
Cumhuriyet Dental Journal (Cumhuriyet Dent J, CDJ) is the official publication of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Dentistry. CDJ is an international journal dedicated to the latest advancement of dentistry. The aim of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists and academicians all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in different areas of dentistry. First issue of the Journal of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Dentistry was published in 1998. In 2010, journal's name was changed as Cumhuriyet Dental Journal. Journal’s publication language is English.
CDJ accepts articles in English. Submitting a paper to CDJ is free of charges. In addition, CDJ has not have article processing charges.
Frequency: Four times a year (March, June, September, and December)
IMPORTANT NOTICE
All users of Cumhuriyet Dental Journal should visit to their user's home page through the "https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/user" " or "https://dergipark.org.tr/en/user" links to update their incomplete information shown in blue or yellow warnings and update their e-mail addresses and information to the DergiPark system. Otherwise, the e-mails from the journal will not be seen or fall into the SPAM folder. Please fill in all missing part in the relevant field.
Please visit journal's AUTHOR GUIDELINE to see revised policy and submission rules to be held since 2020.