Assessing Patient Awareness of Oral Health and Its Impact on Lung Disorders

Caitlin Navarro Hermida; Shanine Montero; Jessica Baste; Cecille Parallag; Edanne Dela Cruz; Gabriel Ibañez; Arvin Alivanera

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.78693

Assessing Patient Awareness of Oral Health and Its Impact on Lung Disorders

Author(s)	Caitlin Navarro Hermida, Shanine Montero, Jessica Baste, Cecille Parallag, Edanne Dela Cruz, Gabriel Ibañez, Arvin Alivanera
Country	Philippines
Abstract	In recent years, growing attention has been directed toward the relationship between oral health and systemic conditions, particularly lung disorders. Oral health, which includes the condition of the teeth, gums, and oral tissues, plays an important role in overall well-being. Scientific evidence has shown that poor oral hygiene may contribute to respiratory infections and other lung-related complications through the transmission of bacteria from the oral cavity to the lungs. Despite these established connections, public awareness regarding the relationship between oral health and lung disorders remains limited. Previous studies have emphasized that patient awareness is essential in promoting preventive behaviors, as individuals who are knowledgeable about health risks are more likely to practice proper hygiene and seek timely medical care. Several factors also influence individuals’ understanding of the relationship between oral health and lung disorders. These include socioeconomic status, educational background, access to healthcare services, and exposure to health-related information. Research suggests that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds often have better access to healthcare information and services, resulting in improved health knowledge and practices. In addition, perceptions and beliefs regarding oral health significantly influence behavior. Individuals who recognize the importance of oral hygiene are more likely to engage in preventive practices, even when their knowledge of specific health connections is limited. This study aimed to assess the level of patient awareness regarding the impact of oral health on lung disorders, identify the factors influencing their awareness and knowledge, and examine how their perceptions and beliefs affect health-seeking behavior. Specifically, the study focused on awareness of oral-systemic health, socioeconomic influences, perceptions of oral health importance, and practices related to oral hygiene and healthcare utilization. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed to analyze respondents’ awareness, perceptions, and behaviors. Data were collected from 40 dental patients selected through purposive sampling from a dental clinic in Imus, Cavite. A structured researcher-made questionnaire served as the primary data-gathering instrument. The collected data were analyzed using frequency and mean to determine the distribution of responses and the overall level of awareness and behavior among participants. The findings revealed that respondents demonstrated a moderate level of awareness regarding the relationship between oral health and lung disorders, indicating that while general knowledge exists, understanding of specific concepts remains limited. Socioeconomic status emerged as the most significant factor influencing awareness, highlighting disparities in access to health information. Despite this, respondents displayed positive perceptions and beliefs regarding the importance of oral health, strongly agreeing that it is essential to overall well-being. In terms of health-seeking behavior, respondents expressed willingness to improve their oral hygiene practices and seek medical advice; however, regular dental visits were not consistently practiced, indicating a gap between knowledge and actual behavior. The study concludes that although awareness and positive attitudes toward oral health are present, there remains a need to strengthen knowledge and translate awareness into consistent preventive practices. Enhancing health education programs and improving access to dental care services are essential to bridge this gap and promote better oral and respiratory health outcomes.
Keywords	oral health awareness, lung disorders, patient knowledge, health-seeking behavior, socioeconomic factors, preventive health practices
Field	Sociology > Health
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-18
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.78693

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Assessing Patient Awareness of Oral Health and Its Impact on Lung Disorders

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