Knowledge and perceptions of Lagos state healthcare workers regarding the causes and implications of gingival bleeding (GB)

Background: Healthcare workers other than oral healthcare workers are likely to be patients’ first contact. This study examines the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of GB among these healthcare workers, as it significantly impacts the information passed on to patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included freely consented six-hundred-and-forty-eight 18-year-old or older healthcare professionals from secondary (274) and tertiary (374) healthcare facilities with no formal dental education. Sociodemographic information and responses to questions about GB awareness, knowledge, and practice were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Each correct and incorrect response was scored 1 and 0 respectively; obtainable score ranged from 0-12. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Statistical significance was at p-value < 0.05.

Results: Mean knowledge score was 6.77 ± 2.92, with 15.4%, 79.8%, and 4.8% of participants having low, medium, and high GB knowledge status respectively. Among the 54.6% of participants who experienced GB, 42.1% did nothing and only 12.7% sought professional help, despite 77.9% knowing that GB was abnormal. Educational status (CI: 2.054-8.223; p < 0.001), profession (CI: 0.75-2.19, p < 0.001), and health facility (CI: 0.36-1.22; p < 0.001) were major predictors of GB knowledge level.

Conclusion: Significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions regarding GB exist among healthcare workers. While encouraging awareness levels were observed among tertiary-educated participants and medical doctors, substantial disparities existed across other professional and educational groups. Targeted education and health promotion interventions are essential for enhancing healthcare workers' role in promoting oral health, preventing periodontal disease, and dealing with its systemic consequences.