Relationship Between Self- Perceived Oral Health Problems and Oral Care Practices among Secondary School Students in Ibadan

Abstract

Objective: Some methods of oral care adopted by
individuals may be the cause of their self-perceived oral
health problems. The objective of this study was to
determine the effect of oral care practices on self-
perceived oral health problems among secondary
school students in Ibadan.
Methods: A 14-item structured questionnaire seeking
information on self-perceived oral health problems and
oral care practices was filled by each participant under
supervision. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS
version 21.0. Descriptive statistics was performed on
the variables and their associated factors. Significant
association between variables was tested using chi-
square and the results were presented in tables and
charts.
Results: Out of 250 questionnaires administered, only
246 provided adequate information for analysis. The
age range of the respondents was between 12 and
23years, with 67.5% being within 15-17years. The males
were 102(41.5%), and the females were 144 (58.5%).
Some of the respondents (45.5%) reported experience
of one oral health problem or the other in the past one
year, and 91.9% of the respondents believed their oral
health could be improved. Statistically significant
relationship was found between several self-perceived
oral health problems and oral care practices such as tool
used for tooth cleaning, type of dentifrice used,
technique of brushing employed, time of tooth cleaning
and exposure to dental health education.
Conclusion: This study showed that there is a
relationship between several self-perceived oral health
problems and some oral care practices employed by the
respondents.