Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561

Oral Health Awareness among Secondary School

Students in Enugu State
Elias, Emedom Martins1; Okafor Ngozi Roseline2; Omale Johnson John3;
Mohammed Id4
1
Department of Preventive Dentistry,2Department of Dental Technology
3
Department of Dental Therapy; 4Department of Nursing Sciences
1
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu
2,3
Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu
4
Federal University of Lokoja

Publication Date: 2025/03/20

Abstract: Oral health is extremely important for people of all ages and a healthy mouth is a key to living comfortably each
day. Oral health problems are public health issues that can affect anybody, irrespective of age, gender and class. Oral health
problem can be prevented by creating the relevant oral hygiene awareness. This study looked at oral health awareness
among students in secondary schools in Enugu state, in relationship to their oral health status. Specifically, the study
determines oral health awareness among three schools classified into public, faith-based/mission and public schools
respectively; the factors that influence their oral health awareness and their oral health status. Three schools namely
Government Technical College public school), Gateway college (private school) and Deeper Life High School (faith-based
school) all in Enugu East, were selected for the study. The senior secondary school (SSS 1 to SSS 3) was specifically involved
in the study. A sample size of 270 students out of a population of 910 students was selected through stratified sampling
technique. The instrument for data collection was both questionnaire for oral health awareness and oral health examination
for oral health status, were used. Result revealed that equal number of students 90(33.33%) was selected from each of the
three schools. More male 146 (53.08%) than females 134(46.92%) were involved in the study. Those in the age group 16-18
years old were more 160(44.35%). Cumulatively, results on oral health awareness shows marginal difference in their level
of oral health awareness; GTC had 32(11.85% ), Gateway College 35(12.96% ), and Deeper Life High School 33(12.22% ).
On factors that influence their oral health awareness, fear and anxiety was higher 78(28.48%), followed by peer group
influence 77(28.48%) and the least affordability 15(5.55%). Results of oral health status show that all the students have good
oral health status, with Gateway College having fairer oral health condition. It is recommended that Post Primary Basis
Education unit of Enugu state, Ministry of Education should include dental health education in the current school
curriculum.

How to Cite: Elias, Emedom Martins; Okafor Ngozi Roseline; Omale Johnson John; Mohammed Id. (2025 Oral Health Awareness
among Secondary School Students in Enugu State. International Journal of Innovative Science and
Research Technology, 10(2), 2335-2344. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561.

I. INTRODUCTION as psychological components including self-confidence and

well-being, as well as the capacity to socialize and work
Oral health is a critical component of general health without pain, discomfort, or humiliation, as well as
since general health plays a significant role in determining psychological components including self-confidence and
overall quality of life. Oral health is crucial to general health well-being. It can also refer to the state of the mouth, teeth,
because of its many effects on the body as a whole (Block et and or facial structures that enables a person to carry out
al., 2022). Since the mouth serves as the body's main entry essential bodily processes including breathing, speaking, and
point, issues pertaining to oral health may also have an impact eating.
on overall health (Nyamuryekung'e, 2012). For individuals of
all ages, dental health is crucial, and having a healthy mouth Andrea Alberto Conti (2018), argues that health is a
is essential to leading a comfortable daily life. It is an positive, multidimensional concept that includes a variety of
essential component of the whole person, and if it is to work traits, such as ability, integrity, fitness, and well-being.
well, the individual should be concerned about its health Hippocrates described health as the four humors in
(Nyamuryekung'e, 2012). Psychosocial features of oral health equilibrium. This philosophical-naturalistic notion of health
are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2023) and sickness has been surrounded throughout the history of

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Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561

Western medicine by a variety of concepts. Depending on the confidently express a range of emotions through facial
scientist and the medical environment and time period, these expressions without experiencing pain, discomfort, or
ideas have alternately been based on epidemiological, diseases connected to the craniofacial complex. The features
anatomical, physiological, functional, sociological, and of oral health as described by Glick et al. (2016) are explained
molecular views. Three definitions of health are now in use, as follows: It is, first and foremost, a crucial component of
according to Sartorius (2006). First, health is defined as the both physical and mental wellness. It exists on a continuum
absence of illness or incapacity. The second is that a marker that is molded by people's and groups' attitudes and ideals.
of good health is the capacity to manage all of life's The psychological, social, and physiological elements that are
responsibilities, which also implies that illness and essential to a high-quality existence are also reflected in it.
impairment are absent. According to the third definition, Thirdly, it is affected by the individual's evolving
health is the condition of harmony both within and between experiences, perspectives, expectations, and capacity for
an individual and their external social and physical situational adaptation (Glick et al., 2016).
surroundings.
Simply put, oral health is the condition of one's mouth.
Given some of the shortcomings in the WHO(2023) Just as someone can have poor general health, they can also
definition, some have suggested substitute definitions for have poor dental health. Oral health is defined as the absence
health. René Dubos refuted the idea that technology could of pain or discomfort in the mouth and face, oral infections
promote health in his humanistic 1959 book The Mirage of and sores, and oral disorders as well as other conditions that
Health. Rather, he described well health as the state in which involve a person's ability to eat, speak, bite, smile, and
each person is most able to fulfil their own aspirations and maintain psychological well-being. Dental health, which
those of society. A dynamic condition of well-being that is covers the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral health
defined by a person's capacity to meet the demands of life that diseases, is a crucial aspect of public health. It is essential to
are particular to their age, culture, and level of personal a person's general health and well-being. It is crucial that
responsibility is another description that might be used. An younger people, particularly students, are informed of the
alternative definition of health was provided by Badash et al. importance of dental health. The long- and short-term health
(2017), which added to the WHO definition and took into of their mouths can be greatly impacted by good oral hygiene
account the necessity of infrastructure and technology to practices and understanding.
support a patient-centred healthcare system in the modern era
of value-based medicine. An integrated, highly developed WHO (2023), states that dental caries, gum disease,
healthcare delivery system that is designed to meet all of a tooth loss, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma, noma, and
patient's medical needs, including disease prevention and congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate are all
management of undesired conditions, co morbidities, considered oral disorders. Oral illnesses are estimated to
complications, and unique patient circumstances, is what is affect 3.5 billion individuals globally, making it one of the
meant to be considered a state of holistic physical, mental, most prevalent non-communicable diseases. WHO (2023),
emotional, and social wellness. emphasized once more that the most marginalized and
susceptible groups are affected by oral illnesses. For example,
An integrated, highly developed healthcare delivery regardless of the total financial level of the nation, individuals
system that is designed to meet all of a patient's medical with poor socioeconomic standing have a larger burden of
needs, including disease prevention and management of oral diseases throughout their lives, from early infancy to old
undesired conditions, co morbidities, complications, and age.
unique patient circumstances, is what is meant to be
considered a state of holistic physical, mental, emotional, and Correct health information or knowledge by itself does
social wellness. not always translate into healthy behaviors; In the domains of
dentistry and other health care, this has a wealth of
Veiga et al. (2023), also noted that the FDI concept documented data. Conversely, acquired knowledge could be
shows how dental health impacts general health and well- a valuable tool for supplying impoverished communities with
being by integrating it with other aspects of health. Therefore, accurate health and medical technology information,
educating people about the numerous facets of oral health and enabling them to take preventative action. Promoting
how they change over time empowers them, as it is realized environmental changes as needed to support this goal,
that values, perceptions, and expectations affect oral health educating, encouraging, and supporting people to adopt and
results. The concept of oral health was expanded to maintain healthy habits and lifestyles, conducting
encompass the sense of well-being subsequent to the World professional training and research in support of this process
Health Organization's (WHO) (2023), expansion of the are all part of the community's oral health education process.
definition of health to include social well-being. Since then, Any combination of educational activities intended to
it has been recognized that maintaining good dental health encourage voluntarily changing behaviors in a way that
involves more than merely preventing diseases. A person's promotes health is referred to as health education (Themes,
well-being encompasses daily activities including eating, 2015).
chatting, smiling, and giving back to the community.
Health education is any combination of educational
The FDI defines comprehensive oral health as the ability activities meant to help individuals and communities improve
to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and their health by increasing awareness or altering attitudes

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Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561

(World Health Organization (2013). Levine (1985) defined According to research (Chopra et al., 2015), children
oral health education as the process of educating people about with special needs, children from low-income and minority
dental health issues in a way that is both personally households, and children raised in rural areas of the United
meaningful and based on evidence and theories from science. States bear a disproportionate share of the oral disease
It comprises instructing, preparing, and motivating both burden. These are just a few examples of additional health
isolated employees and small teams. disparities among particular disadvantaged communities.
Lack of fluoridation in municipal water supplies, a scarcity of
Increasing awareness about oral health can lead to the dentists, expensive dental care costs, and restricted dental
adoption of good oral behaviors that support improved oral insurance coverage are possible contributing causes. Oral
health. This is the goal of education on oral health. In less health disparities are frequently linked to cultural ideas,
developed countries, the World Health Organization created values, and behaviors; yet, there is little information in
a basic oral health care program that includes education on dentistry literature that is not epidemiological in nature. Put
oral health and emphasizes its integration with other oral differently, the literature does not identify particular oral
health-related activities such as emergency, restorative, and beliefs and practices among various ethnic groups, but rather
preventive dental care (Nakre & Harikiran, 2013). shows differences in oral health. Certain common beliefs and
care-seeking behaviors related to oral health are rooted in
Several studies have shown that, in comparison to those culture and significantly deviate from the western dental
with lesser levels of knowledge, those with higher levels of medicine model, despite the complex overlaps between
oral hygiene education are linked to improved oral health cultural influences and dental health literacy, socioeconomic
status (Rahem, 2023). Enugu State, which lies in southeast status, and personal experience (Carteret & Ed, 2013).
Nigeria, is home to a diverse student body that attends both
public and private universities. The educational system in the A psychological paradigm known as the "health belief
state offers a chance to evaluate and contrast students' model" propounded by Rosenstock (1974) that focuses on
understanding of oral health in various learning people's attitudes and beliefs in order to forecast and explain
environments. Gaining imminent into the oral health actions related to health was used for this study. The study
behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge of Enugu State students suits this study thus; Perceived Severity and Susceptibility:
can help develop focused involvement programs and policies. According to the HBM, people are more inclined to act if they
Despite the fact that women report seeing the dentist more think a health issue is significant and that they are vulnerable
frequently than men do, few of them obtain care at the critical to it. When it comes to oral health, pupils who recognize the
time of pregnancy. For people's overall health and well-being seriousness of dental conditions like cavities and gum disease
as well as the population's, oral health is crucial. However, and who believe they are prone to them are more likely to
there are still large gaps in oral health among the general exercise preventive oral hygiene.
public unpaid to a complex web of socioeconomic and
cultural factors that impact oral health and accessibility to Perceived Benefits and Barriers: Students' behavior will
quality dental care (Patrick et al., 2006). According to Chopra be influenced by how they perceive the advantages and
et al. (2015), cultural or environmental factors have a disadvantages of practicing oral health. For instance, people
substantial impact on behavior, making them one of the are more likely to brush and floss regularly if they think that
biggest obstacles to receiving dental health care. Dental doing so has low barriers to adoption and that it is simple to
hygiene practices, dietary patterns, and the degree of tooth include into daily routine, respectively, leading to healthy
decay are all influenced by culture. Even in circumstances teeth and gums.
when finances are unaffected and dental services are easily
accessible, learned behaviors can still have an impact on
health-seeking behavior due to the cultural influences on oral
health outcomes and dental service utilization.

Fig 1: The Health Belief Model

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Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561

There is still a knowledge gap about the degree of oral Enugu make up the study's population. In total, there are 910
health awareness among students in Enugu State, notably in students. Here is the breakdown: Deeper Life High School
private and public schools, despite the advances in dental has 180 students, Gateway College has 210 students, and
treatment and oral health education. The creation of efficient Government Technical College has 520 students. A modified
policies and treatments targeted at enhancing oral health structured questionnaire with a likert scale served as the
outcomes for this population is hampered by this knowledge source of the instrument needed for data collection. This
vacuum. For example, the researchers noticed that many questionnaire was adapted from the one that was utilized by
school-age children in rural Enugu State participated in Omale (2014) among other authors. Three components
community programs led by the researchers and their team of comprised the questionnaire: The demographic profiles of the
dental health professionals. These programs focused on oral respondents (students) are included in Section A; questions
health issues that could be easily avoided by practicing good about oral health awareness are found in Section B; and
oral hygiene. The majority of people with whom the factors influencing the respondents' level of oral health
researchers spoke with were ignorant of certain fundamental awareness are found in Section C. They should document
oral hygiene practices and how oral health issues can be their oral health status (i.e., the state of their oral health) in
managed. Section D. In order to ascertain whether their awareness of
their oral health and the state of their oral health are related,
A. Research Questions section D is required. The coordinator of the National Open
University (NOUN), Enugu study center's public health
 To Guide the Study, the Following Research Questions program provided an introduction to the three secondary
will be Addressed: schools that were chosen for this investigation. The letters
requesting access to the Senior Secondary section kids were
 How much do students in Enugu State's public, private, sent to the principals of each school for their approval. Once
and faith-based/missionary schools know about oral the principals of each school granted the researcher ethical
health? approval, the researcher collaborated with the classroom
 What are the factors that affect pupils' awareness of oral teachers to effectively approach and capture the attention of
health in the chosen Enugu State schools? the pupils. During class time, the researcher approached the
 What is the state of dental health among kids attending students and gave them an explanation of the goal and title of
public, private, and faith-based/missionary schools in the study. The responders received guarantees of total
Enugu state? confidentiality and anonymity.

B. Research Hypotheses Two dental professionals, who functioned as research

assistants, were hired by the researcher. The chosen pupils
 The study was guided by the following null hypotheses: were gathered in a large classroom with the assistance of a
few teachers who had been appointed by their respective
 Ho: There is no significant difference in the level of oral schools to help the youngsters relax. Each participant's
health awareness between students in private, faith questionnaire was given out with assistance from the study
based/mission and public schools. assistants. Under the careful supervision of the researcher, a
 H1: There is significant difference in the level of Chief Dental Officer, the research assistants examined the
awareness between students in private, faith students' oral health in natural daylight. Examining oral
based/mission and public schools. deposits, tooth stains, dental caries (holes in teeth), and
 Ho: There is no significant relationship between oral gingivitis (swollen gums) are all part of the oral health
health awareness and the oral health status of students in checkup. The researcher, along with the research assistants,
private, faith based/mission and public schools. documented each student's responses to the section D of the
 H1: There is significant relationship between oral health questionnaire.
awareness and the oral health status of students in private,
faith based/mission and public schools. D. Sampling, Procedure and Sample Size
In order to choose the schools for this study,
Government Technical College in Enugu, Gateway College,
C. Research Method
The research design used for this study was a cross- and Deeper Life High School in Enugu, stratified sampling
sectional descriptive survey with an analytical component. was employed. The institutions were classified as public,
The researcher was able to ascertain the link between faith-based, and public, respectively. Additionally, stratified
sampling was utilized in the student selection process, which
variables through the design selection. When a sizable
involved grouping the students into class strata (SSS 1
population is involved and data is gathered at a specific
moment in time, the design is employed. Nonetheless, it through SSS 3). Next, 90 students from each of the three
enables the researcher to use percentage, frequency, mean, schools were chosen at random using simple random
and mean deviation to describe and analyze data. The sampling. 270 secondary school students that fit the inclusion
criteria were chosen for this study in an effort to address non-
researcher also used it to gauge the understanding of pupils in
a few chosen secondary schools in the Enugu-East Local response concerns.
Government Area of Enugu State. Secondary school students
(SSS 1 through SSS 3) enrolled in Government Technical
College, Deeper Life High School, and Gateway College in

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Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561

 Inclusion Criteria: The Senior Secondary (SS1 through  Exclusion Criteria: Junior Secondary students (JSS 1
SS3) students in the secondary schools were the ones who through JSS 3) were not entitled to participate, according
met the inclusion criteria for the study. By completing a to the exclusion criteria. Participants in the study will not
consent form, the students must also indicate that they are be permitted to be eligible students who declined to fill
willing to take part in the study. out consent papers.

II. RESULT

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Variable of Respondents n = 270

Variables Categories GTC (%) Deeper life (%) Gateway (%)
Age Group 10-12 17(6.29) 14(5.19) 24(8.89)
13-15 30(11.11) 28(10.37) 28(10.37)
16-18 41(15.19) 48(17.78) 31(11.48)
19 above 2(0.740) 0(0.00) 7(2.59)

Male 45(16.67) 60(22.22) 41(15.18)

Gender Female 4516.67) 30(11.11) 49(18.19)

SSS1 30(11.11) 27(10.00) 34(12.59)

Class SSS2 31(11.48) 36(13.33) 28(10.37)
SSS3 29(10.74) 27(10.00) 28(10.37)

Christian 72(26.67) 90(33.33) 80(29.63)

Muslim 18(6.67) 0(0.00) 10(3.70)
Religion
Traditionalist 0(0.00) 0(0.00) 0(0.00)
Pagan 0(0.00) 0(0.00) 0(0.00)

 Key: The three schools selected were determined by looking

at the gender distribution of the respondents: 45 (16.67%)
 Faith Base School: Deeper life secondary School, Enugu male respondents and 45 (22.22%) female respondents were
 Private School: Gateway Secondary School, Enugu. from GTC; 60 (22.22%) male respondents and 30 (11.11%)
 Public School: Government Technical College. female respondents were from Deeper Life; and 41 (15.18%)
male respondents and 49 (18.19%) female respondents were
Table 1 The socio demographic characteristics of the from Gateway.
respondents are displayed in Table 1 above; students between
the ages of 10 and 12 who participated in the study were According to the respondent's courses at the three
represented by the age group of the three chosen schools: selected schools, GTC identified 31 (11.48%), 30 (11.11%),
GTC recorded 17 (6.29%); Deeper Life recorded 14 (5.19%); and 29 (10.74%) respondents from SSSI, SSSII, and SSSIII.
and Gateway recorded 24 (8.89%) respondents. Thirteen to Thirty-seven (10.00%) SSSI respondents, thirty-six (13.33%)
fifteen-year-old study participants state that: GTC recorded SSSII respondents, and twenty-seven (10.00%) SSSIII
thirty respondents (11.11%), Deeper Life recorded twenty- respondents reported a deeper life. 34 (12.59%) SSSI
eight respondents (10.37%), and Gateway recorded twenty- responses, 28 (10.37%) SSSII responses, and 28 (10.37%)
eight respondents (10.37%). Students who participated, aged SSSIII responses were sent to the Gateway School.
16 to 18, reveal that GTC received 41 (15.19%) responses.
Thirty-one (11.48%) respondents were registered with The following three schools were chosen in accordance
Gateway, and 48 (17.78%) respondents with Deeper Life. with the respondents' religious beliefs: All respondents were
Among the students that participated who were 19 years of identified as Christians by Deeper Life; 80 (29.63%)
age or older, GTC recorded 2 (0.740%), Gateway recorded 7 Christians and only 10 (3.70%) Muslims were recorded by
(2.59%), and none of the students in Deeper Life were older Gateway; 72 (26.67%) Christians and only 18 (6.67%)
than 19. Muslims were recorded by GTC.

Table 2: Respondents Level oral health Awareness n = 270

Statement on Level of Awareness Selected Schools Yes (%) No(%)
Are you aware of the importance of regular dental GTC 53(19.63) 37(13.70)
checkups?
Deeper life 49(18.15) 31(11.48)
Gateway School 44(16.29) 46(17.04)
Are you aware of the proper techniques for GTC 65(24.07) 24(8.89)
brushing teeth?
Deeper life 79(29.26) 11(4.07)

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Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561

Gateway School 73(27.04) 17(6.30)

Are you aware of the importance of flossing in GTC 34(12.59) 56(20.74)
maintaining oral health?
Deeper life 21(7.78) 69(25.56)
Gateway School 40(14.81) 50(18.52)
Are you aware of impact of diet on oral health (eg GTC 15(5.56) 75(27.78)
avoiding sugar and snacks)?
Deeper life 35(13.33) 55(20.37)
Gateway School 45(16.67) 45(16.67)
Are you aware of signs and symptoms of common GTC 12(4.44) 78(28.89)
dental issues (eg cavities, gum disease)?
Deeper life 29(10.74) 61(22.59)
Gateway School 33(12.22) 57(21.11)

 Key: Regarding respondents' awareness of the importance of

flossing for maintaining oral health, the following
 Faith Base School: Deeper life secondary School, Enugu. information was found in the statement: only 34 respondents
 Private School: Gateway Secondary School, Enugu. (12.59%) are aware, while 56 respondents (20.74%) from
 Public School: Government Technical College. GTC school are not aware; 21 respondents (7.78%) are aware,
while 69 respondents (25.56%) from Deeper Life school are
Table II The degree of oral health knowledge in the not aware; 40 respondents (14.81%) are aware, while 50
three chosen schools is displayed in Table 2 above. respondents (18.52%) are not aware from Gateway school.
According to the results, when asked if respondents knew
how important it is to get regular dental checkups, 53 Only 15 respondents (5.56%) were found to be
(19.63%) said they did, compared to 37 (13.70%) from GTC; conscious of the impact of diet on oral health (e.g., avoiding
49 (18.15%) said they did, compared to 31 (11.48%) from sugar and snacks); 75 respondents (27.78%) from GTC
Deeper Life School; and 44 (16.29%) said they did, compared school were not aware; 35 respondents (13.33%) were aware,
to 46 (17.04%) from Gateway School. but 55 respondents (20.37%) from Deeper Life school were
not aware; 45 respondents (16.67%) were aware, and 45
Regarding the respondents' awareness of proper tooth- respondents (16.67%) from Gateway school were not aware.
brushing techniques, the following responses were made: 79
(29.26%) are aware, whereas 11 (4.07%) from Deeper Life According to the statement, the following respondents
School are not aware; 73 (27.04%) are aware, whereas 17 are aware of common dental problems (like cavities and gum
(6.30%) are not aware from Gateway School; 65 (24.07%) disease) and their symptoms: 12 (4.44%) are aware, while 78
are aware, whereas 24 (8.89%) are not aware from GTC. (28.89%) from GTC are not aware; 29 (10.14%) are aware,
while 61 (22.59%) from Deeper Life School are not aware;
33 (12.22%) are aware, while 57 (21.11%) from Gateway
school are not aware.

Table 3: Factors influencing Oral Health Awareness n = 270

Identify Factors GTC(%)Deeper life (%) Gateway(%)
Fear and anxiety 20(7.41) 28(10.37) 30(11.11)
Perceived need 24(8.89) 14(5.18) 4(1.49)
Cost of oral health service 6(2.2) 10(3.70) 21(7.78)
Accessibility 7(2.56) 0(0.00) 16(5.92)
Affordability 2(0.74) 0(0.00) 13(4.81)
Peer group 31(11.48) 38(14.07) 9(3.33)

 Key: respectively, 20 (7.41%), 28 (10.37%), and 30 (11.11%)

respondents had dread or anxiety related to GTC, Deeper, and
 Faith Base School: Deeper life secondary School, Gateway. A total of 24, 8, 89%, 14, 5.18%, and 4 (1.49%) of
Enugu. the respondents reported having perceived needs from GTC,
 Private School: Gateway Secondary School, Enugu. Deeper Life, and Gateway School, respectively. Three
 Public School: Government Technical College. respondents—six (2.2%), ten (3.70%), and twenty-one
(7.78%)—discussed the price of dental care from GTC,
Table 3: The elements listed in Table 3 had an impact Deeper Life, and Gateway School, respectively. There were
on the oral health knowledge of the three selected schools. no respondents from Deeper Life, although 2 (0.74%) and 16
The factors that were found included fear and anxiety, (5.92%) respondents, respectively, reported being accessible
perceived need, peer group, cost of oral health treatments, from GTC and Gateway. Two (0.74%) and thirteen (4.81%)
accessibility, and affordability. The findings indicate that, respondents from GTC and Gateway, respectively,

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mentioned affordability, however no respondents from and Gateway were revealed by 31 (11.48%), 38 (14.07%),
Deeper Life made this observation. In addition, GTC, Deeper, and 9 (3.33%) of the participants, respectively.

Table 4: Oral Health Examination of Students Oral Health Status n = 270

Variables GTC(%) Deeper life (%) Gateway(%)
Categories
Observed Oral Health Problems Dental Plagues 6(2.22) 3(1.11) 8(2.96)
Dental Calculus 2(0.74) 9(3.33) 3(1.11)
Stain 0(0.00) 1(0.37) 5(1.85)
Gingivitis 0(0.00) 4(1.48) 1(0.37)
Caries 3(1.11) 7(2.59) 0(0.00)
None 91(33.70) 66(24.44) 73(27.04)

Oral Health Examination Status Very Poor 0(0.00) 2(0.74) 7(2.59)

Poor 1(0.37) 3(1.11) 5(1.85)
Good 93(34.44) 87(32.22) 1(0.37)
Fair 6(1.48) 8(2.96) 77(28.51)

 Key: The majority of respondents (93, 34.44%), 87, 32.22%),

and 1 (0.37%) from GTC, Deeper Life, and Gateway School
 Faith Base School: Deeper life secondary School, Enugu. had satisfactory dental health status, according to the results
 Private School: Gateway Secondary School, Enugu. of the oral health examination. Of the responders, only 2
 Public School: Government Technical College. (0.74%) and 7 (2.59%) from GTC had extremely poor dental
health. Of the responders from Gateway, Deeper Life, and
Table 4: Table 4 displays the oral health examination GTC schools, 1 (0.37%), 3 (1.11%), and 5 (1.85%) reported
results for the students. Six (2.22%), three (1.11%), and eight having poor dental health. Additionally, among the
(2.96%) of the respondents had dental problems from GTC, respondents with a fairly good dental health status, the
Deeper Life, and Gateway School, respectively, according to following percentages were found: 6 (1.48%), 8 (2.96%), and
the observed oral health status. Of the responders, 2 (0.74%), 77 (28.51%) from GTC, Deeper Life, and Gateway School,
9 (3.33%), and 3 (1.11%) had dental calculus. Only 1 (0.37%) respectively.
and 5 (1.85%) of the respondents, respectively, had stains
from Gateway School and Deeper Life; no respondents had  Test of Hypotheses
stains from GTC. Of the respondents, 4 (1.48%) and 1
(0.37%) from Gateway School and Deeper Life, respectively,  Ho: There is no significant difference in the level of oral
had gingivitis; no responder from GTC had gingivitis. Three health awareness between students in private, faith
(1.11%) and seven (2.59%) of the respondents had dental based/mission and public schools.
caries from deeper life and GTC, respectively. Of the  H1: There is significant difference in the level of
respondents, none of the previously mentioned oral health awareness between students in private, faith
disorders are present in 91 (33.70%), 66 (24.44%), and 73 based/mission and public schools.
(27.04%) from GTC, Deeper Life, and Gateway School,
respectively.
Table 5: Paired Samples Test
Paired Differences t df p-value
Mean Std. Std. Error 95% Confidence
Deviation Mean Interval of the
Difference
Lower Upper
Pair 1 Level of - 48.17641 19.66794 -55.39138 45.72471 -.246 5 .816
Awareness - oral 4.83333
Health Status

Determine whether students' awareness and practice of The T-test of Two-Sample Assuming Unequal
their oral health status among the students from the three Variances was used to test the hypothesis and determine
selected schools have a significant correlation (at the 0.05 whether there is, at a 95% confidence level, a significant
significant level). relationship between the degree of knowledge and level of
practice of oral health status. For this test, the statistical
We accept the null hypothesis if the p-value is greater analysis tools in IBM SPSS version 25 were used. The results
than 0.05; otherwise, we reject it. indicated two factors that were tested. The purpose of the test
was to determine whether there is a meaningful correlation

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Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561

between students' oral health and their level of knowledge  Ho: There is no significant relationship between oral
among the three schools that were chosen within the Enugu health awareness and the oral health status of students in
metropolitan area. It was discovered that the P-value was private, faith based/mission and public schools.
0.86, over the test at 0.05 confidence limit. Therefore, the  H1: There is significant relationship between oral health
alternative hypothesis was accepted and the null hypothesis awareness and the oral health status of students in private,
was rejected. faith based/mission and public schools.

Table 6 : Correlation Table between the Three Selected Schools

Coefficients Table
Unstandardized Coefficients Standardized Coefficients T Sig.
B Std. Error Beta
Categories .014 .009 .436 1.531 .157
(Constant) 2.170 .384 5.651 .000

Fig 2: Oral Health Status

Using multiple correlation in IBM SPSS version 25, the of the most common oral diseases. Students' knowledge and
test of the hypothesis sought to determine whether there was status on oral health can have an impact on good oral hygiene
a significant correlation between the three selected schools' practices. Nonetheless, there existed deficiencies in the
oral health status. The statistical analysis revealed that, at the knowledge and condition of oral health.
0.05 level of significance, the linearity of the correlation
between the three selected schools' oral health status In all, 270 students; 90 from each of the following
demonstrates a high level of student knowledge regarding schools participated in the study: Governments Technical
oral health status. This showed that the study populations had College, Enugu, Gateway Secondary School, a private
a strong, very significant association. Even yet, the alternative institution, and Faith Base School. SPSS version 25 was used
hypothesis was disproved since the p-value (0.157) was for the study's analysis of the administered questionnaires,
greater than the predetermined significance limit of 0.05. which were completed correctly. Approximately 58% of the
Because of the great degree of linearity in the association population recorded in the study was between the ages of 16
between the three chosen institutions, the null hypothesis was and 18, with the bulk of responders being within those ages.
thus accepted. The lowest percentage of students, 3.6%, was recorded as
being older than 19 years old. For both guys and girls who
III. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS took part in the study, GTC's gender record was 50% each.
Males made up about two thirds of the respondents from
A number of physiological changes take place in the Deeper Life Secondary School, while female respondents
mouth, making students' oral health status crucial. The from Gateway School were slightly more numerous than
increase in bacterial activity in diseased teeth, which is linked male respondents in the same study. There was a little
to a number of variables, is the most prevalent cause of variation in the number of pupils in the respondents' class
gingiva damage in humans and can result in bleeding gums. from SSSI-SSSIII compared to the three schools that were
High-quality oral hygiene from birth has been shown to be chosen. The respondents' religion revealed that, out of the
crucial to developing a mouth that is in good condition. Good three schools chosen, 99% of respondents were Christians,
dental hygiene, which includes frequent brushing and whereas 0.9% of Muslims who did not practice a
flossing, can help prevent periodontal disease, which is one

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Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561

conventional religion and 0.1% of pagan respondents were The participants in the study's oral health status said
found in the survey. that, based on the findings, only a smaller percentage of
students had oral health conditions like dental calculus, dental
People's health is significantly impacted by knowledge plaques, and gingivitis, with 95% of respondents from the
because it raises people's understanding of the benefits and three schools chosen for the study showing no observed oral
threats to their health and facilitates decision-making health problems. This result disagrees with research
regarding their oral health. In contrast, the current study's conducted in 2015 by Rad et al. on 12-year-old Iranian
findings showed that more than 60% of respondents were schoolchildren's acquaintance, attitudes, and practices around
aware of the value of routine dental exams for maintaining oral health. In that study, oral health issues were primarily
oral health, with less than 35% of students not understanding noted in the study population, even though oral health
the significance of these visits. These results are in line with examinations revealed good results for the majority of
research by Siddharthan et al., (2021), where 65.9% of participants, with a smaller percentage obtaining very poor,
respondents reported, on oral health knowledge, attitude, and poor, or fair results.
behavior and its link to sociodemographic and habitual
characteristics of the south Indian population. The majority IV. IMPLICATION OF THE STUDY
of survey participants (68%) who answered from the three
schools that were chosen were aware of the right ways to Public health concerns pertaining to oral health demand
wash their teeth. This further indicated that awareness of careful consideration. Since the mouth serves as the body's
these approaches was widespread. This finding was at odds primary entrance, any issue with it typically has an effect on
with a study conducted in 2016 by Hamza et al. at Ryom one's general health. Adherence to appropriate oral hygiene
Government College in the state of the Plateau, which practices is crucial in mitigating the risk of prevalent oral
assessed the oral health of secondary school pupils and illnesses. People's general health will be greatly enhanced by
discovered that two-thirds of the participants lacked raising knowledge of oral health issues and teaching them
knowledge of effective teeth-brushing practices. This finding how to practice proper oral hygiene from an early age. The
may have been caused by the respondents' ethnicity and the study intends to bridge the knowledge gap about oral health
study area's different geographic. Conversely, the among Nigerian secondary school students.
respondents' awareness of the significance of flossing in
preserving dental health showed that, out of the three schools V. CONCLUSION
chosen, the majority of participants were unaware of the
aforementioned topic, with just a small percentage having amid the students of the three selected schools in Enugu
knowledge. Although the participants' awareness of the city, there were minor knowledge gaps about oral health. To
impact of food on dental health (e.g., avoiding sugar and improve the dental health of pupils, it is crucial to offer
snacks) was not demonstrated, this could be because all of the programs and education on oral health. When it comes to
participants were too young for the oral health issues to students, maintaining proper dental hygiene is essential for
become apparent in them. Additionally, a significant portion preserving good oral health and is beneficial for the
of the respondents did not know that the study population at physiology of the entire body. In light of the study's findings
the three selected schools had cavities and gum disease, regarding oral health awareness in three specifically chosen
which are prevalent dental issues with warning signs and secondary schools in the Enugu metropolitan area, Through
symptoms. assessment, education, and appropriate treatment planning,
the local Department of Health must exert every effort to
Despite some minor limitations in the participants' encourage improvements in oral health and quality of life.
understanding of oral health, a sizable portion of respondents
had good dental health. A higher percentage of research RECOMMENDATION
participants than usual retain good dental health. In a study
conducted in Calabar, it was found that 94.4% of participants In view of the research indicating a deficiency in oral
maintained good oral health. To keep teeth clean and clear of health knowledge among the senior pupils at the three
infections, the majority of participants in earlier studies felt selected secondary schools in the state of Enugu, the
that brushing should be a daily oral health activity. following recommendations were made:

Additionally, the greatest percentage of respondents  Both primary and secondary educational institutions
from Gateway School claimed that fear and anxiety are should include oral health education in their curricula.
variables impacting oral health awareness, despite the fact This will significantly contribute to raising pupils'
that the majority of respondents from GTC and Deeper Life knowledge of the importance of maintaining good dental
School indicated that peer group plays a key role in health into adulthood.
promoting oral health awareness. These results align with the
investigation into the variables impacting pupils' awareness  Public health dentists ought to support community and
of oral health in the three designated schools. There were school-based dental health outreach initiatives that will
fewer respondents to the survey for other identified criteria, benefit school-age children.
such as perceived need, affordability, and accessibility of oral  For everyone to have access to high-quality dental care,
health services. the federal, state, and local governments should think

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Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1561

about integrating dental services into the current primary [11]. Patrick, D. L., Lee, R. S. Y., Nucci, M., Grembowski,
health care (PHC) facilities. D., Jolles, C. Z., & Milgrom, P. (2006). Reducing Oral
 All educational institutions should routinely arrange for Health Disparities: A Focus on Social and Cultural
students to participate in trainings, seminars, and Determinants. BMC Oral Health, 6(S1).
campaigns on oral and personal cleanliness and related https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6831-6-s1-s4
activities. [12]. Rahem, A,Aljoharah A, Noor B, Lama A, Aseel
 Regularly promoted oral health jingles on how to maintain A&Haifa A. (2023). Association of oral health
good dental hygiene and take care of the mouth and its awareness and practice of proper oral hygiene
structures should appear on our media platforms, measures among Saudi population: a systematic
including social media. review.BMC Oral Health, 23 (785): 543.
https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.
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