Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices among school teachers in Tshwane district, South Africa
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Date
Authors
Mfolo, Tshepiso
Madiba, Thomas Khomotjo
Bhayat, Ahmed
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Dental Association
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Teachers are perceived as role models and studies have shown that they can enhance the oral health behaviour of young children.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : To assess the oral health (OH) knowledge, attitudes and practices of public school teachers in a district in Pretoria, South Africa.
METHODS : This was a cross sectional analytical study. The sample comprised of six schools that were randomly selected within the Tshwane West sub district. A total of 160 teachers were included. A modified, self-administered, validated questionnaire was used to obtain the data.
RESULTS : Of the 160 teachers included, 97 (61%) completed the questionnaire. The majority (80%) were female and the mean age was 38.23 years (±12.85; 22-66). More than 80% had an adequate level of OH knowledge, 94% reported it was important to visit a dental practitioner (DP) regularly and 94% believed that OH education should form part of the teaching curriculum. The most common reason for visiting a DP was toothache (32%) while fear (35%) was the most common barrier.
Those with a higher mean age were more likely to brush frequently (p<0.01), utilise dental aids (p=0.01) and visit a DP regularly (p = 0.02).
CONCLUSION : The majority of teachers had adequate OH knowledge. The respondents with a higher mean age were more likely to brush frequently, use dental aids and visit a DP regularly.
Workshops for teachers are required to improve current levels of knowledge and address any queries regarding prevention and diagnosing of dental diseases.
Description
Keywords
Oral health, Learners, Knowledge, School teachers, Attitudes, Practices
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Mfolo, T., Madiba, T.K., Bhayat, A. 2021, 'Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices among school teachers in Tshwane district, South Africa', South African Dental Journal, vol. 76, no. 5, pp. 250-255, doi : 10.17159/2519-0105/2021/v76no6a3.