Oral Hygiene Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Among School-Age Children: A Comparative Analysis Of Rural And Urban Settings

Abstract

Background: Oral health is a critical component of overall health in children, yet significant disparities exist between rural and urban populations. Understanding baseline oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices is essential for developing targeted interventions.

Objective: To assess and compare oral hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practices among school-age children (6-13 years) in rural and urban settings and to identify associations with socio-demographic variables.

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 160 school children (80 rural, 80 urban) selected through simple random sampling from schools in Sri Ganganagar city. Data were collected using a validated structured interview schedule covering oral hygiene knowledge (8 items), practices (7 items), techniques and habits (6 items), oral health problems (12 items), and attitude (14 items). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-sample binomial proportion tests.

Results: Overall baseline knowledge scores were low in both settings (rural: 43%, urban: 39%). Rural children demonstrated significantly better understanding of health-oral hygiene relationships (38% vs 33%, p=0.014) while urban children showed superior knowledge about tooth brushing goals (66% vs 62%, p=0.011). Practice scores were similar (rural: 38%, urban: 40%), with significant urban advantage in morning oral care (61% vs 50%, p=0.037). Attitude scores were uniformly low (rural: 31%, urban: 29%).

Conclusion: School-age children in both rural and urban areas demonstrate inadequate oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices, necessitating comprehensive educational interventions targeting both populations.