Association between Knowledge, Attitude, Oral health care behavior and Oral health status of the 1st year Secondary school in Phrayuen District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey research aimed to study oral health status and examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and oral health behaviors and students' oral health status. The study included 183 of the 1st year secondary school students in Phrayuen District, Khon Kaen Province. Data were collected through questionnaires and clinical oral examinations. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with the Chi-square test applied. The results revealed: 1) Most students had a moderate level of knowledge (44.3%), a high level of attitude (60.1%), and good behavior (73.2%). 2) Regarding oral health status, the prevalence of dental caries was 54.1%, with DMFT index of 1.59 teeth per person. A total of 39.9% had normal gingival conditions. 3) Gender and primary caregivers of the students were not statistically associated with the occurrence of dental caries (P-values = 0.158 and 0.829, respectively). Gender was also not statistically associated with gingivitis (P-value = 0.253). Students whose primary caregivers were parents had a higher incidence of gingivitis than caregivers were not parents (P-value = 0.005). 4) There was no statistically significant relationship between knowledge level and the occurrence of dental caries or gingivitis and calculus (P-values = 0.135 and 0.645, respectively). 5) There was no statistically significant relationship between attitude level and the occurrence of dental caries or gingivitis and calculus (P-values = 0.931 and 0.748, respectively). 6) There was no statistically significant relationship between behavior level and the occurrence of dental caries or gingivitis and calculus (P-values = 0.167 and 0.481, respectively). However, dental professionals should play a role in knowledge-enhancing activities and increase support from family and community to encourage students to develop better oral health behaviors.