KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING ORAL HEALTH AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF AZAD KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Dental carries is a major health issue experienced by 90% of school children and adults worldwide. Studies have shown that appropriate oral health education can help to cultivate healthy oral practices.
Objective: To determine knowledge, attitude and practices of the secondary school students of Azad Kashmir, regarding oral health
Methods: This cross sectional study was done from July 2013-February 2014. Data was collected by random sampling method using a pretested questionnaire.
Results: Knowledge level of about 95% students (47% male & 48%females) was satisfactory according to recorded response. About 88% students (43% male & 45% females) were well aware about fluoride. A percentage of 41.7% clean their teeth once a day, 32.3 % twice a day, 17.7 % three times a day and 8 % more than three times a day. 63% used brush and tooth paste, 37% used only brush as oral hygiene tool. Tooth paste + brush were most common tools of oral hygiene. Dental visits were low. Consumption of sweet food was frequent.
Conclusion: The oral health attitude and practice among the students in Azad Kashmir is still below the satisfactory level.