Oral health knowledge and practices among school teachers in rural and urban areas of Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A questionnaire survey

Abstract

Introduction: School teachers play a vital role in the overall development of a child. They can be used to combat diseases of a preventable nature as alternate personnel in primary health care. With proper knowledge and oral health practices, they can contribute to the health education of children and act as role models for the general community at large. Aims: To assess and compare the knowledge and practices regarding oral health among school teachers in rural and urban areas in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 15 close-ended questions on oral heath knowledge and practices was formulated and distributed among 200 school teachers in rural and urban areas in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software version 17, and Chi-square test was used to assess the differences in the proportions for various questions. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The school teachers in both rural and urban areas had limited knowledge on oral health. The extent of knowledge and oral hygiene practices among the urban school teachers was found to be comparatively higher than those of the rural school teachers. Further, 11% of the urban school teachers and 53% of the rural school teachers did not discuss oral hygiene practices with their students (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The school teachers in both rural and urban areas had limited knowledge on oral health. The extent of knowledge and oral hygiene practices among the urban school teachers was found to be comparatively higher than those of the rural school teachers.