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

Pestre em clínicas Odontológicas_Odontopediatria pela UFRGS; Doutora em Odontopediatria pela FOP/UPE; Professora de Odontopediatria da FOC/ASCES

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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