Oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among high school students in Robe Town, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is crucial for overall well-being and quality of life. Poor hygiene can lead to dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, negatively impacting students' daily activities and health. However, many students, especially in low-income areas, lack adequate knowledge, hold negative attitudes toward oral care, and practice insufficient oral hygiene. This study aimed to assess the oral health knowledge, attitudes, practices, and related factors among high school students in Robe Town, Bale Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2024. METHODS: From June 1 to July 30, 2024, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 422 high school students selected via simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 24. Results were presented in tables and charts, with demographic data summarized descriptively, and Binary logistic regression were calculated to examine relationships between dependent and independent variables. RESULTS: 50% demonstrated strong oral health knowledge, 47% had a positive attitude, and 54% adequate oral health habits. Male students had lower odds of strong knowledge (AOR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.39-0.93), while Grade 11 students had higher odds. Key factors associated with strong knowledge included proper brushing (AOR: 2.34), using a toothbrush (AOR: 2.35), regular dental visits (AOR: 1.24), and a positive attitude toward dental care (AOR: 1.93). Males also had lower odds of a positive attitude while Grade 11 students had higher odds (AOR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.03-3.82). Additionally, Grade 11 students were nearly three times more likely to engage in good practices (AOR: 2.89), with factors like visiting the dentist only when in pain (AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.1-4.05), regular visits (AOR: 1.38), a positive attitude (AOR: 2.49), and strong knowledge (AOR: 2.71; 95% CI: 0.47-0.96) contributing to better oral health. CONCLUSION: Oral health-related knowledge, attitude, and practice among adolescents in Robe Town were found to be suboptimal. Female students, those in higher grades, students with educated parents, and those with prior exposure to oral health information showed significantly better outcomes. Strengthening school-based oral health education, integrating oral health into the curriculum, and engaging parents and teachers are crucial to improve adolescent oral health behaviors in Ethiopia.