Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice among teachers of primary and secondary schools in Gongshu District of Hangzhou City

Abstract

Objective To explore the current status and influencing factors of oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) among the teachers of primary and secondary schools in Gongshu District of Hangzhou City. Methods A total of 652 teachers of primary and secondary schools were selected by using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method and completed a self-designed questionnaire, which included demographic characteristics and oral health KAP. The status and influencing factors of oral health KAP were analyzed by single and multiple-factor analysis methods. Results The questionnaire was completed by all the 652 teachers, 627 of whom were qualified (96.2%). The total ratios of oral health knowledge awareness, attitudes correctness and behaviors formation were 77.1%, 68.7% and 46.3%, respectively. There was significant difference of knowledge awareness rate by age, gender, marriage status, monthly income, life status and current cigarette smoking (χ2 values were 11.48, 8.57, 8.12, 8.46, 23.97 and 4.64, respectively; all P<0.05). There was significant difference in oral health attitudes correctness rate by gender (χ2=10.65, P<0.05) and behaviors formation rate by gender, education level and life status (χ2 values were 3.95, 10.88 and 10.41, respectively; all P<0.05). In logistic regression model, impact factors of oral health knowledge awareness were age, gender, life status and physical exercises; the impact factors of oral health attitudes correctness were gender and monthly income; the impact factors of oral health behaviors formation were gender, level of education and physical exercises. Conclusion The oral health awareness and attitudes correctness are acceptible among the teachers of primary and secondary schools in Gongshu District of Hangzhou City, although the formation rate of oral health behaviors is low. Oral health education should be enforced among the teachers of primary and secondary schools. Key words: Mouth; Health survey; Knowledge, attitudes and practice