Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) About Oral Health Among Secondary Level Students of Rural Nepal - A Questionnaire Study

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) about oral health among the secondary level students of rural Nepal. Study Design: A total of 1000 secondary level school children (622 male, 378 female) of age group 13 to 18 years were selected for the study. Data on oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice was collected by means of 30 self-administered close ended questionnaires. Results: The result of this study show that only 35.1% of the study sample brushes their teeth at least twice daily while 64.9% reported regular brushing once daily. 66.3% of the study population was aware that gingival bleeding reflects gingivitis and only 48% knew the significance of dental plaque. Only 20% reported that they were regular dental attendees, while only 19 % of the respondent visited dentist only when they got dental pain. Majority of the study sample reported that dentist did provide proper care (99%) and explained dental procedures (76%) and preventive instructions (80%). Conclusion: Results of this study suggested that oral health related KAP among the secondary school level students of rural Nepal is poor. The findings of this study suggested that group of secondary level students would be the appropriate target group to receive the first organized intervention leading towards improving the periodontal health status and reducing prevalence of dental caries through increasing their knowledge, attitude and behavior, then followed by other groups.