Development of a self-report questionnaire designed for population based surveillance of gingivitis in adolescents and assessment of content validity and reliability

Dr. Uma Sudhakar; Abirami Ganeshanathan; Asha JK; Veronica Parvatham J

Development of a self-report questionnaire designed for population based surveillance of gingivitis in adolescents and assessment of content validity and reliability

AUTHOR(S): Dr. Uma Sudhakar, Abirami Ganeshanathan, Asha JK and Veronica Parvatham J

ABSTRACT:Background: Oral health plays an important role in defining the general health status of an individual and also for maintaining a good quality of life. Adolescent frequently experiences oral/dental problems predominantly gingivitis, an inflammatory condition of the gingival tissues surrounding the tooth due to poor nutritional habits, poor self- care dental habits and also hormonal changes at the time of puberty.

Aim: The purpose of this population based surveillance study on gingivitis followed by assessment of content validity and reliability is to evaluate the oral health behavior and practices among the adolescents and also to impart the importance of maintaining healthy oral cavity especially in adolescents aged puberty.

Materials and method: 100 randomly selected individuals among which 73 male and 27 female by gender was taken for the study. A set of 25 relevant oral health care practices questionnaire was prepared and responses were recorded and evaluated for statistical analysis.

Results: Only 55% of the study population rate their technique, reliability, validity and efficiency of brushing as beneficial. On correlation between the awareness among brushing, gingival health and overall oral health status of an individual it was found that only 50% of population were aware of oral health and visits dentists frequently.

Conclusion: Lack of awareness about the importance of oral and gingival health can lead to serious complications. Demonstration tasks and counseling the adolescents about control of oral diseases, promotion of oral health and improvement of quality of life should be initiated and evaluated for betterment of overall health status.

Pages: 356-359 | 1007 Views 94 Downloads

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Development of a self-report questionnaire designed for population based surveillance of gingivitis in adolescents and assessment of content validity and reliability

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