ORAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN IBADAN NORTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Oral Health (OH) is an integral component of primary health care. Young children in Nigeria have experienced some types of periodontal diseases due to lack of effective preventive measures against tooth decay. More studies have focused on OH among secondary schools but few on OH practices of primary school pupils. This study was designed to assess the oral health knowledge, perception and practice of primary school pupils in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area (IBNELGA), Oyo State. This cross-sectional survey used a four-stage sampling technique to select IBNELGA, 8 public primary schools out of 52, primaries five and six and 422 pupils. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Respondents' knowledge of oral health and their practices, were measured on a 10-point scale each including questions on pattern and frequency of brushing and length of time used for brushing. Scores of ≤5 and >5 were rated poor and good respectively while perception of respondents were measured on a 12-point scale with scores of ≤6 and >6 rated negative and positive respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square at 5% level of significance. Respondents' age was 11.1±1.6 years and 53.6% were males. Overall knowledge score was 7.3±1.9 (males 7.3±11.9; females 7.1±1.0). Knowledge score for primary 5 and 6 were 7.2±2.0 and 7.2 ±1.7 respectively. Majority (82.9%) had good OH knowledge (54.0%, males, 46%, females). Majority (69.0%) knew that brushing of the teeth at least twice a day and staying away from sugary foods is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay. Overall mean perception score was 7.9±2.1. Few (21.1%) had negative OH perception (49.4%, females; 50.6%, males). Most respondents (78.4%) perceived that brushing teeth everyday can prevent tooth decay. Sixty percent of the respondents perceived that using fluoride toothpaste can prevent dental caries. Overall, oral health practice score was 6.9±2.2. Mean practice scores for primary 5 and 6 were 6.6±2.4 and 7.2±2.1 respectively. More respondents (66.1%) cleaned their teeth at least twice a day; of these 88.6% used brush and paste and 7.6% used chewing stick. Slightly above half (53.1%) reported that they brushed their teeth twice the day prior to the study. Majority (81.3%) had good OH practice. Respondents' knowledge about oral health positively influenced good oral health practice. Majority of the respondents had never visited a dentist. OH practice of the respondents was significantly associated with their class as primary six pupils had healthier practices than those in primary five (CI: -0.96- -0.095). Oral health knowledge, perception and practice of primary school pupils in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area were high. However, school health services should be monitored and equipped to ensure the overall health and maintenance of pupils.