knowledge, attitude and practice status among fifth and sixth elementary boy students in Sari in 1398

Oral health is one of the most important issues affecting public health. Regarding the high prevalence of dental decay and the high cost of treatment and the direct role of students in preventing dental decay, it is necessary for the students to acquire suitable knowledge, attitude and practice about oral health. Regarding lack of studies in this area, the study aimed to determine knowledge, attitude, practice and oral health status of elementary school students in Sari.

The cross-sectional study was carried out on 300 boy elementary fifth and sixth grade students in Sari city who were selected by cluster random sampling. Data collection tool included questionnaire was a valid and reliable Yavari designed questionnaire which had four part of demographic information, knowledge, attitude, practice and self- reported oral health questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 24 and via description and analytical One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Kruskal-Wallis test and correlation coefficient.

Mean score of student''s knowledge about oral health was (5/77±2/03) out of 12, and their mean score of attitude was (36/41±5/34) in range of 10-50 and mean score of practice was (14/23±3/81) out of 24. The most reported practice was using toothpaste in brushing and the lowest reported behavior was using antibacterial mouth wash. There was a significantly positive correlation between knowledge, attitude, practice and self-reported oral health.

Due to insufficient awareness of school children about their oral health as well as lower performance levels, especially in cases such as the use of antibacterial mouthwash and fluoride containing, brushing after each meal and sweets, providing educational programs in order to increase students knowledge and function about oral health, particularly in the areas above seem to be necessary.