Abstract
Objectives : The purpose of this study was to obtain data that can be utilized in the planning of oral health education, by surveying the correlation between oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among elementary school students. Methods : A questionnaire was administered to 227 students in the 5th and 6th grades in Hongseong-gun. The obtained data were analyzed with the SPSS 14.0 program. Results : Knowledge of oral health was very high. Correct attitudes and positive behavior were indicated. There was a significant difference in oral health behavior according to school year(p<0.05). Positive correlation was significantly observed among oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior(p<0.01). Especially, attitudes and behavior were highly correlated(r=0.583). Conclusions : Children's knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward oral health were mutually influenced. Thus, oral health education should be carried out with the goal of causing changes in the attitudes and behavior of students, as opposed to delivering simple knowledge. Through continuous oral health education, correct oral health knowledge and behavior can be developed. Thus oral health education was expected to promote healthy habit for oral health.
