KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF ORAL HYGIENE IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
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1.1 Background of the Study
Oral hygiene is a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being, significantly influencing the quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines oral health as a key indicator of general health, well-being, and quality of life. Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, are essential for preventing oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and halitosis. However, despite its importance, oral hygiene is often neglected, especially among adolescents. Senior secondary school students, who are at a critical stage of life, face various challenges in maintaining optimal oral hygiene due to a lack of awareness, poor attitudes, and inadequate practices.
Recent studies have shown a significant gap between knowledge and practice of oral hygiene among adolescents. For instance, a study by Abiola et al. (2019) found that while a high percentage of students were aware of the importance of brushing twice daily, only a small fraction adhered to this practice. This disconnect between knowledge and practice underscores the need for interventions that address not only knowledge but also attitudes and behaviors related to oral hygiene.
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to oral health issues due to dietary habits, such as increased consumption of sugary snacks and drinks, which contribute to the development of dental caries. The transition from childhood to adulthood brings about changes in lifestyle and habits, which can adversely affect oral health. Therefore, it is crucial to assess and improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding oral hygiene among senior secondary school students.
Several factors influence the KAP of oral hygiene among adolescents. Socioeconomic status, parental influence, education, and access to dental care are among the significant determinants. For example, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds may have limited access to dental care and hygiene products, leading to poor oral health outcomes (Adeniyi et al., 2018). Moreover, the role of schools in promoting oral health is critical, as they provide an opportunity to instill positive oral hygiene habits through health education programs.
In Nigeria, the oral health status of adolescents has been a growing concern. According to the Federal Ministry of Health (2017), dental caries remains a prevalent oral health problem among Nigerian adolescents, with a caries prevalence rate of 30-40%. This statistic highlights the urgent need for comprehensive oral health education and intervention programs targeting secondary school students. Despite efforts by the government and non-governmental organizations to promote oral health, challenges such as inadequate resources, lack of trained personnel, and low prioritization of oral health persist.
The KAP model is a widely used framework in public health research to assess and address health-related behaviors. It is based on the premise that knowledge influences attitudes, which in turn shape practices. In the context of oral hygiene, understanding the KAP of adolescents can provide valuable insights into the factors that drive their oral health behaviors and inform the development of effective interventions.
Globally, the burden of oral diseases remains high, with dental caries being the most common chronic disease affecting children and adolescents. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (2017), untreated dental caries in permanent teeth is the most prevalent health condition worldwide, affecting 2.3 billion people. In Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, the situation is exacerbated by limited access to dental care, poor oral health infrastructure, and low awareness of oral hygiene practices.
The role of oral hygiene in preventing systemic diseases is also gaining attention. Emerging research indicates a strong link between poor oral health and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections (Petersen & Ogawa, 2018). This underscores the importance of promoting good oral hygiene practices from an early age to prevent not only oral diseases but also other health conditions.
Senior secondary school students represent a critical target group for oral health promotion due to their unique developmental stage. This period is characterized by increased autonomy, exploration of new habits, and susceptibility to peer influence. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving their KAP of oral hygiene must be tailored to address these factors and encourage positive behavior change.
The importance of oral hygiene cannot be overstated, particularly among adolescents who are at a pivotal stage of development. The KAP of senior secondary school students regarding oral hygiene is influenced by various factors, including knowledge, attitudes, socioeconomic status, and access to dental care. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective interventions that promote good oral health practices and prevent oral diseases among this population.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical importance of oral hygiene in maintaining overall health, there is a noticeable gap in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral hygiene among senior secondary school students. In many developing countries, including Nigeria, oral health is often neglected, leading to a high prevalence of dental caries and other oral diseases among adolescents (Federal Ministry of Health, 2017). This neglect can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of awareness, inadequate health education, and poor access to dental care services.
Studies have consistently shown that while adolescents may have basic knowledge of oral hygiene, this knowledge does not always translate into proper oral health practices (Abiola et al., 2019). For instance, many students know the importance of brushing twice daily, yet a significant number do not adhere to this practice. Furthermore, there is a prevalent misconception among adolescents that visiting a dentist is only necessary when there is pain or discomfort, rather than as a preventive measure (Adeniyi et al., 2018).
The attitude of students towards oral hygiene also plays a crucial role in shaping their practices. A negative or indifferent attitude towards oral health can lead to poor hygiene practices, such as irregular brushing, lack of flossing, and avoiding dental check-ups. These practices, in turn, contribute to the high prevalence of oral health problems among adolescents.
Given the critical stage of development that senior secondary school students are in, it is essential to address these gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice. Failure to do so may result in long-term oral health problems, which can have significant implications for their overall health and well-being. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene among senior secondary school students in Nigeria, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement and developing targeted interventions to promote better oral health outcomes.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are as follows:
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To assess the level of knowledge regarding oral hygiene among senior secondary school students.
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To evaluate the attitudes of senior secondary school students towards oral hygiene.
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To examine the oral hygiene practices of senior secondary school students.
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To identify the factors influencing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral hygiene among senior secondary school students.
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To provide recommendations for improving oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among senior secondary school students.
1.4 Research Questions/Hypotheses
Research Questions:
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What is the level of knowledge regarding oral hygiene among senior secondary school students?
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What are the attitudes of senior secondary school students towards oral hygiene?
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What are the oral hygiene practices of senior secondary school students?
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What factors influence the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral hygiene among senior secondary school students?
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What strategies can be implemented to improve oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among senior secondary school students?
Hypotheses:
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There is a significant relationship between knowledge of oral hygiene and oral hygiene practices among senior secondary school students.
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There is a significant relationship between attitudes towards oral hygiene and oral hygiene practices among senior secondary school students.
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Socioeconomic status significantly influences the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral hygiene among senior secondary school students.
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Parental influence significantly affects the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral hygiene among senior secondary school students.
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Access to dental care significantly impacts the oral hygiene practices of senior secondary school students.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to both practical and theoretical advancements in oral health education among adolescents. Practically, the study provides valuable insights into the current state of oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among senior secondary school students, which can inform the design and implementation of targeted interventions aimed at improving oral health outcomes. For example, the findings could guide the development of school-based oral health education programs that are tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by this age group. Additionally, the study has theoretical implications as it contributes to the body of knowledge on the KAP framework in public health research, particularly in the context of adolescent oral health. By identifying the factors that influence the KAP of oral hygiene, this study can inform future research and policy decisions aimed at promoting better oral health practices among adolescents. Furthermore, the study's findings could be used to advocate for increased investment in oral health education and services in schools, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of oral health outcomes in the wider community.
1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to senior secondary school students in Nigeria. The study focuses on assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to oral hygiene among these students. The study is restricted to a selected number of schools, which may not be fully representative of the entire population of senior secondary school students in Nigeria. Additionally, the study relies on self-reported data from students, which may be subject to bias or inaccuracies. The study does not include an intervention component, so while it will identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices, it will not directly address them through practical measures. Future studies could consider a broader scope, including students from different regions or countries, and incorporate intervention strategies to improve oral hygiene practices.
1.7 Definition of Terms
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Oral Hygiene: The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
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Dental Caries: A decay of teeth caused by bacterial activity, leading to cavities. It is a common oral health problem among adolescents.
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Periodontal Disease: Infections and inflammation of the structures around the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
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KAP Model (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice): A framework used in public health to assess and understand health-related behaviors by examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of individuals.
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Adolescents: Individuals in the transitional stage of development between childhood and adulthood, typically between the ages of 10 and 19, characterized by physical, psychological, and social changes.
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