Oral hygiene knowledge, practices, attitude, and awareness among primary school students in a rural area of mardan, pakistan

Abstract

Background: Poor oral hygiene significantly impacts quality of life, manifesting in pain, dental abscesses, eating difficulties, and social embarrassment due to dental issues. While oral hygiene knowledge is crucial, its effectiveness hinges on the development and implementation of positive attitudes and habits. The aim is to determine the level of oral hygiene knowledge, practices, attitudes, and awareness among primary school students in rural area of Mardan, Pakistan.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, school-based study was conducted employing a self-administered structured interview questionnaire to evaluate oral hygiene knowledge, practice, attitude, and awareness among 384 primary students aged 7-15 years residing in rural areas of Mardan. Descriptive statistics were utilized for data analysis using SPSS version 22.

Results: The study involved 384 students aged 7 to 12 years. Findings revealed that 58.4% used toothbrushes and paste, 32.1% used miswak, 7.2% used toothpicks, and 2.3% used dental floss for cleaning. Most students recognized the harmful effects of high-sugar diets 62.26% and soft drinks 58.45% on dental health, with 57.14% aware of gum diseases. Despite 79.4% acknowledging the importance of regular dental checkups, 52.1% only visited the dentist when in pain, citing fear 67.28% as the main deterrent.

Conclusion: The study concludes the importance of targeted interventions to improve oral hygiene outcomes among students. While there is a generally strong understanding of dental issues and preventive measures, gaps persist in practice and attitudes. Efforts to enhance oral hygiene habits and access to dental care services are vital for overall improvement in students' oral hygiene.

Key words: Knowledge, Oral hygiene, Students, Awareness, Practice, Mardan