KNOWLEDGE AND ORAL HEALTH PRACTICES AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the knowledge and oral health practices among senior secondary school students in Oluku community, Ovia North East Local government area. In view of the above, three research questions were raised and various literatures were reviewed.

This research utilized a descriptive research design, a type of quantitative research that determines the problems. The population of this study includes all senior secondary school students in Oluku community, Ovia North East Local government area. A simple random sampling technique was used for the study; 150 respondents were randomly selected to determine the sample that represents the entire population. The instrument for data collection is the questionnaire which was designed by the researcher using a self structured scale after carefully reviewing related literatures. Validity refers to data that are not only reliable but also true and accurate. It was observed in the study that majority of the respondents have high knowledge of oral hygiene. It was also seen that majority of the respondents adequately practiced oral hygiene. Also there was significant relationship between the respondents knowledge and practice of oral hygiene. It was recommended that there is need to carry out further studies in order to find out whether the low dental visits was due to non-availability of oral health services or just negative attitude towards preventive measures.