Adolescents’ knowledge of oral health: A population-based study

Authors

  • Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia Departamento de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba
  • Lígia Virgínio Fernandes
  • Thiago Serpa Simões de Farias
  • Sérgio D´Avila UEPB
  • Alessandro Leite Cavalcanti UEPB
  • Valdenice Aparecida Menezes FOP-UPE

Keywords:

Adolescent health, adolescent, oral health

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the knowledge on oral health of 10-19 year-old adolescents from the city of Campina Grande, PB, in the Northeast region of Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 679 adolescents attending public schools in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with Chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests. Results: Most information received by the participants concerned dental diseases (81%, P=0.026), and the dentist (66%, P=0.475) was the most frequently cited source. Approximately half of the subjects brushed their teeth 3 to 4 times a day (50%, P=0.039). A total of 77% (P=0.037) had received information on how to brush their teeth and 46% (P=0.143) on what type of brush should be used; 51% (P < 0.01) affirmed to use dental floss and 49% (P=0.201) had received information on how to use it. Most adolescents visited the dentist during the previous year (57%, P=0.312), and prevention was the most frequent reason (50%, P=0.115). Gender was significantly associated with some variables, especially those of behavioral nature. Conclusion: The findings of this survey demonstrate the importance of health strategies to positively influence adolescents who may serve as health multipliers.

Author Biographies

Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia, Departamento de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Professora do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia da UEPB

Lígia Virgínio Fernandes

Estudante de Graduação da Faculdade de Odontologia da UEPB

Thiago Serpa Simões de Farias

Estudante de Graduação da Faculdade de Odontologia da UEPB

Sérgio D´Avila, UEPB

Professor do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia da UEPB

Alessandro Leite Cavalcanti, UEPB

Professor do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia da UEPB

Valdenice Aparecida Menezes, FOP-UPE

Professora do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia da UEPB

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Published

2010-10-01

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 4 (2010)

Section

Original Article

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