Introduction: The high prevalence of oral diseases like dental caries and periodontal diseases is considered a major public health issue among adolescents. Therefore, the promotion of oral health is essential in the improvement of the knowledge, attitudes and oral health behaviors. Objectives: To characterize the habits, knowledge and oral health attitudes and verify the influence of various demographic factors, risk behaviors and oral health monitoring in the habits, knowledge and attitudes to oral health of adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was designed with 223 students who attended the 10th, 11th and 12th grade of Alves Martins secondary school in Viseu, Portugal. The data collection was performed through a selfadministered questionnaire which included several instruments that allowed the assessment of sociodemographic characteristics, risk behaviors, oral health habits, surveillance of oral health and habits, knowledge and attitudes of oral health in adolescents. Results: The students revealed positive habits, knowledge and oral health attitudes and obtained prevalences higher than 70% in all dimensions except for dental fear (no fear with 44.8%). The DMFT index was 1.35 ± 1.96, with a prevalence of very low presence of dental caries of 67.3% and only 8.0% were classified high / very high. The female students, with 18-19 years and those who frequently consulted the dentist presented better habits, knowledge and attitudes of oral health. However, no association was found between the habits, knowledge and attitudes of oral health with the adolescents´ residential area, school year, parents´scholarship, risk behavior and reason for dental appointment. Conclusion: Students have demonstrated good habits, knowledge and attitudes of oral health, yet it is crucial to develop better and more efficient future approaches for the prevention of oral diseases.
Date of Award | 29 Jul 2015 |
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Original language | Portuguese |
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Awarding Institution | - Universidade Católica Portuguesa
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Supervisor | Nélio Jorge Veiga (Supervisor) & Andreia Sofia de Paiva Figueiredo (Co-Supervisor) |
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- Adolescents
- Attitudes
- Habits
- Knowledge
- Oral health
- Mestrado em Medicina Dentária
Hábitos, conhecimentos e atitudes de saúde oral dos estudantes da Escola Secundária Alves Martins
Dias, J. P. D. S. S. (Student). 29 Jul 2015
Student thesis: Master's Thesis