Factors Related to Dry Teeth-Brushing Technique Behavior among Senior High School Students in Secondary Schools, Roi Et Province

Abstract

This research was a cross-sectional descriptive study that aimed to investigate factors related to dry teeth-brushing behavior among senior high school students in a secondary school located in Roi Et province. The sample consisted of 218 students who were recruited using stratified and cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a value of reliability 0.703. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test.

The study showed that the majority of students had a mean age of 16.3 years (S.D. = 0.9) and most were female (60.1%). Most were in the 4th year of secondary schools (45.4%). The combined monthly income of their parents was predominantly 19,575.1 baht, accounting for 17.0% of the sample. A significant proportion of students (71.1%) had oral health problems, and 69.3% visited a dental professional more than once a year. The majority of students practiced dry brushing (64.7%). There was a statistically significant relationship between students' dry brushing behavior and their grade level and frequency of dental visits (p-value = 0.042 and 0.004, respectively).

Based on the results, a significant correlation exists between visits to dental personnel and dry teeth-brushing behavior. Therefore, dental professionals should provide ongoing dental health education to the public, with a particular focus on dry teeth-brushing.