Oral Hygiene Knowledge and Practices of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Benin City, Edo State.

Abstract

Background: Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) constitute a disadvantaged population with increased susceptibility to poor oral health outcomes due to limited access to oral health information, preventive services, and oral hygiene resources. Despite the high burden of oral diseases among OVCs, data on their oral hygiene knowledge and practices in Nigeria remain limited.

Objective: To assess the oral hygiene knowledge and practices of orphans and vulnerable children in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among OVCs in selected orphanages in Benin City. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization oral health questionnaire for children. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, oral hygiene knowledge, and oral hygiene practices was obtained. Oral hygiene knowledge was categorized as good or poor, while oral hygiene practice was graded as good, fair, or poor based on predetermined scoring criteria. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, and statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: Overall, 137 (67.5%) participants demonstrated good oral hygiene knowledge. Most respondents recognized the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene (97.5%) and the role of regular dental visits in oral health maintenance (88.7%). Regarding oral hygiene practices, only 39.4% demonstrated good practice, while 52.2% and 10.3% had fair and poor practices, respectively. Although 91.1% used a toothbrush and toothpaste, 59.6% brushed only once daily, 89.2% were unaware of dental floss, and none reported routine dental check-ups.

Conclusion: While the majority of OVCs possessed good oral hygiene knowledge, oral hygiene practices were generally suboptimal. The observed knowledge–practice gap highlights the need for targeted oral health promotion programs and improved access to preventive oral healthcare services among OVCs in Nigeria.

Keywords: Oral hygiene knowledge, oral hygiene practice, orphans and vulnerable children.