Oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Iran.

OBJECTIVE

The knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) studies play an important role in promotion of oral health. The aim of this study was to assess oral health KAP in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional study on 1554 students aged 12 years from the rural and urban areas of five provinces, KAP of subjects was assessed using a culturally adapted questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi-squared test, t-test, correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

In general, the scores of students in knowledge, attitude, and practice were 74.1 ± 21.1%, 72.6 ± 21.1%, and 51.8 ± 12%, respectively. Urban students had significantly higher scores in KAP (P = 0.0001). Female students got higher scores in all the three dimensions, but the difference was significant only in brushing practice (P = 0.006). Students in Tehran (the capital city) had significantly higher scores in all fields (P = 0.0001). Parents' education and mothers' job had a significant relationship with KAP of children.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that 12-year-old schoolchildren in Iran had good knowledge and positive attitude. But oral health practice was not satisfactory.