Oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior among students of age 10–18 years old attending Jenadriyah festival Riyadh; a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have documented a high prevalence of dental problems among Saudi youth. In order to plan successful public health awareness campaigns it is essential to evaluate three domains related to oral health at the population level, namely knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Objective: To assess the level and aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to oral health among school students who attended a major festival in the City of Riyadh. Methods: This survey followed a cross sectional study design. Study subjects were recruited randomly among Saudi nationals attending the Jenadriyah festival in Riyadh City in the year 2013. Results: The study population was composed of 287 participants of age 10–18 years. Around 67% students reported brushing their teeth daily. We found significant difference in brushing habit between genders (P = 0.001) with girls showing a better dental practice. Compared to boys, girls were more aware about bleeding gums (P value ⩽ 0.001), oral health effects general health (P value = 0.004) and importance of dental check-up (P value ⩽ 0.001). Compared to boys’ girls were significantly more conscious about tooth color (P value = 0.05). Other attitudes toward dental health were not significantly different in-between genders. Conclusion: This population-based study among 15–18-year old students found that around two third of Saudi youth brush their teeth proportion which is similar to that reported among similar age groups 10 years ago. Through this study we recommended that evidenced-based effective dental awareness programs are needed in order to improve dental-related practice among that age group. Evaluations of ongoing campaigns in schools are needed to better understand factors that can facilitate translating improved knowledge and attitudes into changing practice.