Aim: This pilot study aimed to evaluate oral health knowledge, perceptions and oral hygiene practices among 12- year old children from the local school of Andavadoaka and patients visiting the dental facility at Vezo Hospital, Andavadoaka, Madagascar.
Materials and Methods: Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of 18 close-ended questions. The study population consisted of 12-year old schoolchildren from three sixth-grade classes (total n=70), and dental patients of all ages visiting Vezo Hospital (total n=76). Clinical registration of decayed and missing teeth were also done on the latter group.
Result: Results showed favorable knowledge and attitude among both groups. Self-perceived oral health was also positive. Practices, such as frequency and time spent brushing teeth, were lacking and generally did not meet recommended standards. Very few participants had any knowledge about what fluoride is. In both groups, intake of sweets and soft drinks were low. The results of the clinical examinations showed a high incidence of caries. Hospital patients had often poor dental status and poor oral hygiene.
Conclusion: Despite good self-perceived oral health and knowledge, the reported oral hygiene practices of the participants were insufficient. To improve the oral health care of the region a more efficient delivery of health care services must be made accessible, not only physically and practically but also through implementation of proper instructions and information regarding good oral health habits. This is especially important in rural areas where resources are not as readily available. Furthermore, to actually subside the issue, a prevention program should be put into place.
Scaglia, P. (2020). Assessment of current oral health knowledge attitude and oral hygiene practices among 12-year old school children and patients attending the dental facility at Vezo Hospital. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/assessment-of-current-oral-health-knowledge-attitude-and-oral-hygiene-practices-among-12-year-old-school-children-and-patients-attending-the-dental-facility-at-vezo-hospital-in-the-rural-vill
Scaglia, Philipp "Assessment of current oral health knowledge attitude and oral hygiene practices among 12-year old school children and patients attending the dental facility at Vezo Hospital" Afribary. Afribary, 29 Sep. 2020, https://afribary.com/works/assessment-of-current-oral-health-knowledge-attitude-and-oral-hygiene-practices-among-12-year-old-school-children-and-patients-attending-the-dental-facility-at-vezo-hospital-in-the-rural-vill. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Scaglia, Philipp . "Assessment of current oral health knowledge attitude and oral hygiene practices among 12-year old school children and patients attending the dental facility at Vezo Hospital". Afribary, Afribary, 29 Sep. 2020. Web. 20 Apr. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/assessment-of-current-oral-health-knowledge-attitude-and-oral-hygiene-practices-among-12-year-old-school-children-and-patients-attending-the-dental-facility-at-vezo-hospital-in-the-rural-vill >.
Scaglia, Philipp . "Assessment of current oral health knowledge attitude and oral hygiene practices among 12-year old school children and patients attending the dental facility at Vezo Hospital" Afribary (2020). Accessed April 20, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/assessment-of-current-oral-health-knowledge-attitude-and-oral-hygiene-practices-among-12-year-old-school-children-and-patients-attending-the-dental-facility-at-vezo-hospital-in-the-rural-vill