Assessment of Levels of Oral Hygiene Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among the Students of a Government School in Karachi

Aims: The object of this study was to assess the levels of oral hygiene awareness, knowledge, and practice of the children of a Govt. school belonging to low socioeconomic class in Karachi, and to attract more of the health promotion programs and campaigns towards these less privileged areas so that awareness regarding oral hygiene and health may be emphasized upon them and encourage them about the benefits of a healthy oral cavity.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Railway’s Secondary School. Railway colony, near Kalapul, Karachi in February 2015 .

Methodology: This study was conducted to assess the oral health knowledge, attitude and practice amongst the students of a government school in Karachi. Sample: A total of 461 students (251 Males + 210 Females) participated in the study through a questionnaire that consisted of 24 closed-ended questions. The data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 15 and results were accumulated by frequency distribution.

Results: It was observed that 97% of children (n= 446) demonstrated regular oral hygiene practice, results regarding knowledge were also good but bad eating habits were also found prevailing amongst them that need to be addressed.

Conclusion: Overall it can be said that the results relating to oral hygiene practice and knowledge were good but only 31% of the students visited the dentist and the concept of regular dental checkup was almost nil. Hence the need for continuing dental education through promotion programs is emphasized with justification.