AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TOWARDS ORAL HEALTHCARE PRACTICES IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Globally, there is a prevalence of inadequate dental care, which is marked by a rise in the buildup of plaque and calculus as individuals grow older. This issue has been observed in both children and adolescents (Saied-Moallemi et al., 2019: Mbawalla et al., 2018). Nevertheless, a recent investigation conducted by Folayan et al. (2022) revealed that 9.9% of primary school children in a specific population experienced caries, with a greater prevalence in primary teeth compared to permanent dentition. Gaining insight into the pattern and epidemiology of caries and its progression over time is essential, as caries is the leading pathogenic factor contributing to tooth loss in children in most African nations.

Notably, oral health is crucial for both the overall health of the body and the quality of life of individuals. It is an essential component of one's overall well-being and thriving. In addition, oral hygiene pertains to the act of upholding cleanliness and well-being in the mouth to avert different dental and oral health problems. Oral hygiene include routine practices such as brushing teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other particles from the teeth and gums.

Additionally, it denotes a state that has a beneficial impact on a person's physical, emotional, and social well-being, allowing for unhindered speaking, eating, and social activities without experiencing pain, discomfort, or humiliation (Canadian Dental Association, 2018). This includes the absence of problems such as discomfort in the mouth and face, cancer in the mouth and throat, infections in the mouth, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other illnesses related to oral health (World Health Organisation, 2022).

On the other hand, dental caries and periodontal diseases, which are the most prevalent oral health issues that lead people to seek dental care, can be prevented by implementing strategies such as educating individuals about the causes and helping them reduce their exposure to the related risk factors. According to Dhar (2018), caries can be avoided by having knowledge about how to control plaque through proper oral hygiene practices, being mindful of one's diet in terms of the frequency and types of sugary foods and drinks consumed, and utilizing fluoride. Dental caries is a complex and irreversible microbial illness that affects the hard tissues of the teeth. Latoo et al.(2019) asserts that it is characterize by the loss of minerals and destruction of the organic matter of the tooth, often resulting in the formation of cavities . 

Apparently, a substantial percentage of secondary school students in underdeveloped and developing countries suffer from tooth decay and often encounter restricted availability of oral healthcare services. Shenoy (2021) states that dental caries affects a significant proportion of school-age children, ranging from 60% to 90%, as well as a majority of adults. Likewise, periodontal disease affects a significant proportion of school-age children, ranging from 50% to 90%, with a severity rate of 10% to 15%. However, gingival illnesses are very common among children and adolescents (Al-Mutawa et al., 2021). Impoverished and disadvantaged individuals, especially in emerging nations, bear a significantly greater burden of oral diseases.  Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess the perception and attitude of secondary school students towards oral health practices  in Nigeria.

Statement of the Problem

Adolescence is a crucial phase for developing long-lasting health habits, especially those pertaining to oral health. During this phase, students cultivate patterns and dispositions that have a substantial impact on their future health results. According to Petersen, (2018)adolescents in secondary school are at a critical stage where their attitudes and behaviours towards oral health are influenced by their peers, family environment, and educational initiatives. However, several students do not consider oral health to be important, primarily because they are not fully aware of the lasting effects of inadequate dental hygiene. 

Okeigbemen (2019) states that cultural attitudes and practices have an impact, since certain traditional perspectives impede the acceptance of contemporary dental care techniques. Similarly, the socioeconomic condition of students has a substantial influence on their ability to access and make use of oral healthcare services. Students hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds often have financial obstacles when it comes to obtaining dental care, resulting in the neglect of their oral health.

Moreover, there is a significant disparity in the degree of education and awareness regarding oral health practices, particularly among students residing in rural or underserved areas. These individuals tend to possess less knowledge about appropriate oral hygiene practices compared to those in urban area (Oredugba & Mafeni, 2018).  Thus, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess the perception and attitude of secondary school students towards oral health practices in Nigeria.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the perception and attitude of secondary school students towards oral health practices  in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will;

1.Evaluate the level of knowledge of oral healthcare practices among secondary school students.

2.Evaluate the attitudes of students towards oral healthcare practices in Nigeria.

3.Determine the factors that influence secondary school students' oral hygiene practices in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the level of knowledge of oral healthcare practices among secondary school students?

What are the attitudes of students towards oral healthcare practices in Nigeria?

What factors influence secondary school students' oral hygiene practices in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0:There are no significant factors influencing secondary school students' oral hygiene practices in Nigeria.

Ha: There are significant factors influencing secondary school students' oral hygiene practices in Nigeria.

1.6  Significance of the Study

This study's findings will provide students with valuable insights into the risk factors associated with inadequate oral hygiene. Moreover, this findings will be valuable to healthcare providers in offering oral health screening, early risk assessment, and preventative interventions to kids who are most susceptible to developing early tooth decay.

 Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the perception and attitude of secondary school students towards oral health practices  in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the perception and attitude of secondary school students towards oral health practices  in Nigeria. Empirically, this study will 

Geographically, the study will be delimited to students in some selected secondary schools in Ogun State, Nigeria.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Oral hygiene: refers to the practice of maintaining cleanliness and health in the mouth to prevent various dental and oral health issues. 

Practices: the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it.