Oral health-related behaviors of some elementary school students by installation of toothbrushing facility

Abstract

Objectives:The purpose of the study was to investigate oral health-related behaviors of some elementary school students by installation of toothbrushing facility. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed, out by 377 elementary school students with toothbrushing facility, and by 260 elementary school students with no toothbrushing facility in M city from November to December, 2015. The data were analyzed by χ 2 -test, t-test and stepwise multiple regression analysis using SPSS 12.0 program. The questionnaire comprised toothbrushing practice(2 items), satisfaction of toothbrushing facility(1 item), oral health knowledge(4 items), fluoride recognition(1 item), and necessity of fluoride mouthrinse(1 item). Results: The level of oral health knowledge was high in toothbrushing facility school. But toothbrushing practice was higher in school of no toothbrushing facility(63.8%) than the school with toothbrushing facility(49.1%)(p<0.001). The number of brushing times a week was also higher in school of no toothbrushing facility(1.98 times) than the toothbrushing facility school(1.59 times)(p=0.011). The dominant reason for no brushing was not recognition(65.8%) in toothbrushing facility school, lack of places(61.3%) in non toothbrushing facility school. Conclusions: In order to improve the oral health in elementary school students, it is necessary to provide toothbrushing education and toothbrushing facility in elementary schools.