study of knowledge, attitude, practice and oral health status among high school students in yazd

Introduction: 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 high school students in Yazd. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out on 300 male high school students in Yazd city who were selected by cluster random sampling. Data collection tool included two questionnaires; the first was a valid and reliable researcher designed questionnaire which had four part of demographic information, knowledge, attitude and practice and the second one was self reported oral health questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 21 and via description and analytical tests of T-test, ANOVA and correlation coefficient. Results: Mean score of student's knowledge about oral health was 6.38± 2.07 out of 19, and their mean score of attitude was 40.03± 5.35 in range of 10-50 and mean score of practice was 13.28± 4/09 out of 28. The most reported practice was using toothpaste in brushing and the lowest reported behavior was using antibacterial mouth wash. Mean score of self-reported oral health was 43.05± 5.19 out of 57. There was a significantly positive correlation between knowledge, attitude, practice and self-reported oral health. Conclusion: 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.