Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Towards Oral Hygiene Among Adolescents Before And After A School-Based Dental Education Program

Abstract

Background: Poor oral hygiene among adolescents remains a significant public health concern, contributing to dental caries, periodontal diseases, and diminished quality of life. School-based dental education programs represent promising interventions for improving oral health behaviors during this critical developmental period. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards oral hygiene among adolescents following implementation of a comprehensive school-based dental education program. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted among 524 adolescents aged 13–16 years from four secondary schools. A structured dental education program comprising interactive lectures, demonstrations, and practical sessions was delivered over six weeks. Validated KAP questionnaires were administered at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and three months follow-up (T2). Clinical plaque index scores were assessed concurrently. Paired t-tests and McNemar's tests evaluated within-group changes, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Mean knowledge scores increased significantly from 12.34±3.87 at baseline to 18.92±2.56 post-intervention and 17.48±3.12 at follow-up (p<0.001). Attitude scores improved from 28.67±5.43 to 36.78±4.21 post-intervention (p<0.001). Practice scores demonstrated significant enhancement from 14.23±4.56 to 21.34±3.89 (p<0.001). The proportion of adolescents brushing twice daily increased from 34.2% to 71.8% (p<0.001). Mean plaque index scores decreased significantly from 1.87±0.54 to 1.12±0.43 (p<0.001). Improvements were largely sustained at three-month follow-up. Conclusion: The school-based dental education program significantly improved adolescents' oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices with sustained effects at three months. Such interventions should be integrated into school health curricula to promote lifelong oral health behaviors.