Oral health-related knowledge, attitude, and practices among 12-year-old schoolchildren studying in rural areas of Panchkula, India.
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-141238
ABSTRACT
Oral health is fundamental to general health and well being. Schools can provide a supportive environment for promoting oral health. School policies and education on health-related matters are imperative for the attainment of good oral health and control of related risk behaviors. Aim:
This study was conducted to assess oral health-related knowledge, attitude, and practices among 12-year-old schoolchildren studying in rural areas of Panchkula, India. The ultimate goal was to implement an oral health-promotion program in this area. Materials andMethods:
A total of 440 children (216 males and 224 females) from 12 schools were included in this study. All the participants were requested to complete a 13-question closed-ended questionnaire. The statistical significance of any difference between the two genders was determined using the Chi-square test.Results:
Only 25% of the participants said that they cleaned their teeth more than once in a day. Thirty-two percent did not clean their teeth daily. Over the preceding 1 year, 45.5% of the childern had had some problem with their teeth and/or gums, but only 35.9% visited the dentist. Among these children, 8.2% used tobacco in some form. Oral health-related knowledge of girls was significantly better than that of boys.Conclusion:
Based upon the findings of the present study, the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the surveyed children with regard to oral health is poor. Hence, there is a need for regular oral health education of the children, as well as their parents and school teachers.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Periodontal Diseases
/
Rural Population
/
Self Concept
/
Nicotiana
/
Tooth Diseases
/
Toothbrushing
/
Toothpastes
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Type of study:
Qualitative research
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Year:
2012
Type:
Article
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