Knowledge and attitude on bruxism among International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) students

Bruxism is an oral habit of clenching and grinding teeth. In 2014, the prevalence of bruxism among youth has been increased to 51.2% which is higher than previous studies. Effects of bruxism can affect the quality of life. Hence, this study aimed to examine the level of knowledge and attitude among IIUM Kuantan students by developing a questionnaire as a research tool in this study, identifying the level of knowledge and attitude, determining the sociodemographic characteristics that contribute to the level of knowledge and attitude, and determining the correlation between the knowledge and attitude on bruxism. The domains such as type, symptom, risk factor, effect, prevention, and treatment on bruxism was assessed in the questionnaire. Data from 129 respondents was collected through Google form by using convenience sampling. As the result, the development of questionnaire as the research tool was completed by literature review, and pilot study (?=0.844). Both of knowledge and attitude on bruxism were poor. Significant differences were detected using Kruskal Wallis test in term of knowledge between respondents’ age (p=0.008), faculty (p=0.009), and level of study (p=0.024). Similarly sociodemographic characteristics which were age (p=0.001), kulliyyah (p<0.001), and level of study (p=0.002) detected significant differences in term of attitude on bruxism. A fair positive correlation was determined by Spearman coefficient between knowledge and attitude on bruxism among the respondents (r=0.461, p<0.001). In conclusion, it is recommended for the healthcare authorities conducting an educational program to increase the level of knowledge and attitude on bruxism among the population.