Knowledge, attitude, and practice of orthodontic treatment among student patients preparing for or undergoing treatment

This study aimed to investigate the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of orthodontic treatment among student patients either preparing for or actively undergoing orthodontic treatment. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary dental hospital in southwest China between August, 2023 and February, 2024. Demographic characteristics and KAP scores were collected using a self- reported questionnaire. A total of 431 valid questionnaires were included, with a mean participant age of 15.25 ± 4.47 years. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 13.53 ± 5.36 (possible range: 0-22), 28.18 ± 5.17 (possible range: 8-40), and 33.07 ± 6.81 (possible range: 9-45), respectively. Path analysis indicated that knowledge directly influenced attitude (β = 0.22, P < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.47, P < 0.001), while attitude directly influenced practice (β = 0.24, P < 0.001). Knowledge also indirectly influenced practice via attitude (β = 0.05, P < 0.001). Student patients preparing for or undergoing orthodontic treatment demonstrated moderate KAP scores related to the treatment. Efforts should focus on enhancing patient understanding to improve overall KAP scores and optimize orthodontic treatment outcomes.