ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Good oral hygiene is essential for the well-being of an individual. However
lack of knowledge, negative attitude and poor oral hygiene practices may lead to poor oral
hygiene and predispose one to oral related diseases. This study sought to determine whether
practice and knowledge on oral health relate to the oral hygiene status.
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between knowledge on
oral hygiene awareness, practices and status among secondary school students.
STUDY DESIGN This was a descriptive cross sectional study.
STUDY AREA The study was carried out in three secondary schools inMaragua,
Muran,gaCounty.
STUDY POPULATION Thestudy involved both male and female students sampled from form
one to form four in three secondary schools.
METHODOLOGY Stratified sampling was used to select a sample of the students from the
three schools. Qualitative data was collected using a mixed ended questionnaire and clinical data
via oral examination of the students. Data was then be analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 and
presented in form of tables charts and graphs.
RESULTS: Majority of the students had average level of knowledge on oral health. Most of
them brushed once a day. There was a relationship between the level of the knowledge of the
students and the oral hygiene practices and their oral status.
CONCLUSION: The level of knowledge on oral health affects oral hygiene practices and oral
hygiene status.
RECOMMENDATION: There is need to intensify oral health awareness in our secondary
schools as this will have a positive impact on oral hygiene practices and oral hygiene status.
1