Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Prevalence of dental caries in school children (Age12 to 16 years) in Najran, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and oral health care practices and to study the prevalence of dental caries among male school students in Najran city, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Method: This study is a questionnaire based cross sectional study involving 300 school going children aged between 12 to 16 years. The children were selected using stratified random sampling method. Dental caries was recorded using Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Data on oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavioral practices were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire.

Results: The rate of caries prevalence is 76.3% and the incidence of dental caries was found to be highest in the age group of 16 years. A majority of the students (62%) said they used toothbrush while 50% of the students reported the use of a chewing stick.

Conclusion: Lack of knowledge regarding oral health predisposes to dental caries. Children who had not been exposed to a dental visit for a long time tend to fear dental visits.

Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, dental caries, school children, Najran