Differential pattern of awareness about oral health and its hygiene practices among rural and urban schoolchildren of two index age groups in Al Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aims: A good compliance with oral hygiene practices depends on the level of awareness and source of information. The present study attempts to evaluate and compare the level of awareness of oral health and its hygiene practice among rural and urban schoolchildren in Al Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: The study included 228 boys in the age group of 6–7 and 12–13 years from three schools each in the rural and urban area in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Data on oral health knowledge and practices were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Data were represented in percentages. Comparison of response between rural-urban and age groups of schoolchildren was done using Chi-square test, with a confidence interval at 95% (P < 0.05). Results: Children residing in urban areas found to prefer professionals (P < 0.001) as their source for acquiring knowledge about oral health and hygiene practices. They also outscored in translating knowledge in terms of vertical technique (P < 0.001) and frequency (P < 0.05) of brushing. Professionals were found to be the source for majority of children of elder group (P < 0.001), whereas younger were dependent on parents for the same. Elder group also showed to have better practice in terms of frequency (P < 0.001) and choice of medium for brushing (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Wider availability of healthcare services in the urban areas has improved the awareness for oral health. By large, younger group of children has considered parents as their role model and approach them to seek advice on health issues.