Oral Health Knowledge and Lifestyle‐Related Factors Among First‐Year University Students: A Cross‐Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Oral health knowledge and lifestyle factors play a key role in the prevention of oral diseases, yet their relationship with oral health knowledge in young adult populations remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to assess oral health knowledge and its association with selected lifestyle-related factors among first-year university students in a Spanish academic setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted with 149 first-year university students recruited through non-probabilistic sampling. Oral health knowledge was evaluated using a validated 20-item questionnaire, and lifestyle behaviours using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II). Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Most participants demonstrated medium to high levels of oral health knowledge. Lifestyle profiles were generally favourable. Gender-related differences were observed, with women showing higher oral health knowledge and interpersonal relationships scores, while men reported higher physical activity. Degree-related differences were also observed, with higher oral health knowledge levels among health-related students. No consistent associations were observed between oral health knowledge and lifestyle variables. CONCLUSION: Oral health knowledge was generally adequate but uneven and not consistently reflected in lifestyle behaviours, highlighting a gap between knowledge and practice. These findings suggest that educational approaches alone may be insufficient to promote favourable outcomes. Interventions should therefore incorporate behavioural and contextual components to enhance effectiveness. Regarding its clinical relevance, adequate oral health knowledge alone does not ensure healthy behaviours among young adults. Incorporating lifestyle-tailored strategies into preventive interventions may improve their effectiveness in promoting sustained oral health practices.