SKIN AND ORAL CARE AND HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG TBILISI STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Background. Personal self-care and hygiene practices are important components of general health and well-being. Medical students are expected to acquire extensive knowledge regarding disease prevention and health promotion; however, their own personal health practices may be influenced by academic workload, stress, time constraints, and lifestyle factors. The aim of this study was to assess personal hygiene and self-care practices among medical students and to compare these practices between female and male students.

Methods. A cross-sectional survey was designed involving 200 TSMU medical students, including 100 females and 100 males (age 21-24 years). A structured 10-item anonymous questionnaire assessed oral hygiene, facial and skin care, sun protection, hand hygiene, bathing and hair care, and general self-care routines. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated for selected outcomes.

Results. Among the participants, 86% reported brushing their teeth at least twice daily. This behavior was more frequent among female students than male students (92% vs. 80%; OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.28–6.47; p=0.012). Daily use of facial cleansing products was reported by 60% of students and was significantly more common among females (78% vs. 42%; OR 4.89, 95% CI 2.69–8.89; p<0.001). Daily moisturizer use was reported by 58% of participants (78% females vs. 38% males; OR 5.79, 95% CI 3.18–10.54; p<0.001). Daily sunscreen use was reported by 43% of students and was substantially more common among females (64% vs. 22%; OR 6.29, 95% CI 3.37–11.73; p<0.001). A structured daily self-care routine was reported by 55% of participants, including 78% of females and 32% of males (OR 7.37, 95% CI 4.05–13.41; p<0.001).

Conclusions. The findings suggest that female medical students may demonstrate more frequent engagement in skin-care and general self-care practices, whereas basic hygiene behaviors such as daily showering and hand hygiene may show smaller gender differences.