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ANALYSIS OF ORAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR AMONG STUDENTS OF AGE 10-18 YEARS IN PAKISTAN

Dr Hajra Nawaz, Dr Nousheen Ramzan, Dr Anum Iftikhar

Abstract: Introduction: A good oral health is the state of mouth free of any disease affecting the oral cavity and its surrounding structures. Objective of the study: The main objective of this study is to analyze the knowledge of oral health, care of dental hygiene and pattern of dental problems, attitude and behavior among students of age 10-18 years. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at RHC Farooqabad during October 2018 to January 2019. A total of 100 school-going children from three schools. All children falling between age limit 10 to 18 years and permanent residents of the area were included. The sample size was calculated by WHO calculator. The designed questionnaire contained questions that were closed-ended, and some were multiple-choice items with alternative statements. Results: The data was collected from 100 participants. In the present study, students of 06 to 10 classes were evaluated. Therefore, the socioeconomic status was considered to be homogenous. Eleven male students from high classes were found habituated to cigarette smoking. Knowledge of the participants regarding the oral health is described in table 01. Females scored more favorably in knowledge and behaviors concerning dental health particularly a significant difference (P <0.05) in brushing habit was observed between the two genders. Conclusion: It is concluded that most of our school children had knowledge of oral health below satisfactory level.

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