KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF GOOD ORAL HYGIENE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF YABA LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Secondary school students in Nigeria face challenges regarding their oral health because of the daily high consumption of sugary foods and drinks, which predisposes them to dental caries and periodontal disease. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Good Oral Hygiene among Secondary School Students of Yaba local council development area of Lagos State. Descriptive survey research design was employed by this study. The population of this research comprised of 3,216 secondary school students in Yaba local council area, a self-developed questionnaire was used to elicit information, frequency count and sample percentages were used for data analysis and presentation. A multistage sampling technique was used in this study. The findings revealed that 65.5% of the school students have good knowledge of oral hygiene. It was revealed that 64.0% of school students in the study area have positive attitude towards dental health, in addition, the practice of good oral hygiene is well above average as 70.5% among respondents. It was also revealed that level of education does not significantly determine the practice of good oral hygiene among secondary school students. It was recommended that enlightenment programme and public awareness on good oral hygiene by the government and non-governmental organizations should be done regularly. Regular radio and online programme on good oral hygiene should be made available to Adolescent.