Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Effectiveness of an Oral Hygiene Program among Saudi Male Children in Aljouf.

Objective: The study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices among male children living in Aljouf in KSA. This study also targeted to know the effectiveness of a preventive oral hygiene program. Material and methods: The study participants were male children (n = 324) between the age group of 5 and 10. The participants filled a questionnaire that aimed to evaluate their knowledge and attitude and oral hygiene practices. The preventive program was based on professional cleaning, dental health information and oral hygiene instruction over a period of 6 months. Results: One hundred thirty two (40.74%) children were aware about caries as one of the common problem associated with mouth and teeth. Though 44.13% children were aware that sweets and chocolates were the causative factors for dental caries, they were not aware of the other major factors that cause dental problems and how it can be prevented. The participants’ oral hygiene habits were found to be irregular, and children consulted the dentist only when there was pain (35.80 %). Teachers and care takers (58.64%) played an important role as a source of information to these children, than other sources. At the final examination of the preventive program the mean percentage of surfaces without visible plaque was 33.4 ± 26.8 in the experimental group and 16.5 ± 21.7 in the control group. Similar findings were reported in the gingival health status (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that children’s teachers and care takers attitudes toward oral health and dental care need to be improved. Oral health educational packages and implementation of preventive programs for children and teachers of Aljouf are recommended.

Author(s): Abdalwhab MA Zwiri

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