Knowledge and Attitudes of Mental Health Professionals towards Oral Care of Patients in Zimbabwe

Objective: This study aimed to assess the oral healthcare knowledge, attitudes, and practices among mental health professionals in Zimbabwe. There are numerous dental conditions associated with mental health conditions. It is, therefore, necessary to assess if mental health professionals are prepared to adequately manage and refer such cases where indicated. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using convenience sampling to collect data using an online questionnaire administered to mental health professionals from the ten provinces of Zimbabwe. The target sample size was 82. Responses to each of the items in the knowledge and attitudes section were graded on a scale of 0 to 3. Descriptive statistics were performed. Composite scores were computed for knowledge and attitudes with the highest possible score for knowledge being 27 and the highest possible score for attitudes being 12. Open-ended responses in the knowledge section were manually analyzed and used to supplement findings from the closed-ended sections. Results: There were 71 respondents. 60.6% were females, the average (mean) age was 38.78, and the highest reported (mode) working experience was one year. The overall composite score for knowledge was 14.37 out of 27 (53.2%) and the overall composite score for attitudes was 7.66 out of 12 (63.3%). The open-ended section addressing practices revealed that only 1.4% of the respondents had received formal oral healthcare-related training. The rest of the respondents indicated they had no training or did not answer this question. Most respondents are not confident in handling oral health complications and several do not know the appropriate referral pathway. There were suggestions for further training and an increased interdisciplinary approach where oral health professionals work alongside mental health professionals. Conclusion: While the knowledge and attitudes regarding oral care are average amongst Zimbabwean mental health professionals, the practices remain below ideal. There is a need for increased training and a multidisciplinary approach. The formulation of a manual for oral care of mental health patients in the Zimbabwean context is also recommended.