Comparative Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior toward Oral Health among Private, Public, and Rural Schoolchildren in Pune

Abstract

Aim:To compare the oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior and oral health status of younger schoolchildren of private, public, and rural schools in Pune. Material and methods:The study was conducted among the schoolchildren aged 9 and 11 years from three different categories of schools: Private schools, public schools, and the rural schools from Pune city and its vicinity. A total of 723 participants completed a structured, self-administered, close-ended questionnaire to assess oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior and further underwent oral examination. The decayed filled index (DFT) and oral hygiene index simplified (OHI-S) were used for recording the oral health status. Findings from the questionnaire and intraoral examination were compared.Results: Private schoolchildren had significantly more positive knowledge, attitude, and practice compared with public and rural schoolchildren. No difference in scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice was observed between children of public school and rural school. Private schoolchildren had significantly lower DFT scores compared with public school and rural schoolchildren. No difference was seen in OHI-S scores. Conclusion:This study validates the findings of previous research revealing significant difference in knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward oral health of private, public, and rural schoolchildren.