Analysis of Knowledge and Behavior of Dental and Oral Health Maintenance in Students of SDN 050/XI Kumun Hilir Kota Sungai Penuh in 2024

Aida Silfia; Yesi Nurmawi; Sri Febrianti; Putri Diana

doi:10.35910/icohpj.v5i0.1005

Aida Silfia Department of Dental Health, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Jambi, Jambi, Indonesia
Yesi Nurmawi Department of Dental Health, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Jambi, Jambi, Indonesia
Sri Febrianti Department of Dental Health, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Jambi, Jambi, Indonesia
Putri Diana Department of Dental Health, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Jambi, Jambi, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35910/icohpj.v5i0.1005

Keywords: Knowledge, Behavior, Dental health, Students

Abstract

Background: Oral health is important for general health and quality of life. Oral health means being free from throat cancer, oral infections and sores, gum disease, tooth loss and other diseases, resulting in disorders that limit biting, chewing, smiling and speaking. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the level of knowledge and the behavior of maintaining oral health of students at SDN 050/XI Kumun Hilir, Sungai Penuh City in 2024.

Method: This cross-sectional study, conducted on March 18, 2024, at SDN 050/XI Kumun Hilir, analyzed 30 second-grade students. Total sampling was used. Data on oral health knowledge and behavior were collected via valid and reliable questionnaires. Analysis involved univariate and bivariate methods, utilizing the Chi-Square test.

Result: Most second-grade students at SDN 050/IX Kumun Hilir demonstrated high oral health knowledge (63.3%) and good oral hygiene practices (66.7%). Notably, 50.0% of students with high knowledge also showed good oral health behavior, significantly more than those with moderate (13.3%) or low (3.3%) knowledge. Statistical analysis confirmed a relationship between knowledge level and oral health maintenance behavior in these students.

Conclusion: Students are advised to improve their tooth brushing habits in the morning after breakfast and at night before going to bed and maintain a diet that includes watery and high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables and reduce sweet and sticky foods.