Journal of Dental Research, Vol 80, 1466-1470, Copyright © 2001 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Chinese adults
H. C. Lin, M. C. Wong, Z. J. Wang and E. C. Lo
Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital.
Only recently have behavioral aspects been taken into consideration in oral
health studies in China; thus, relevant information on perceptions in adult
Chinese about oral health care is inadequate. In 1996-97, a large-scale
oral epidemiological study was conducted in Southern China. Among its
objectives were to describe the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and
practices of the urban and rural adults living in Southern China and to
analyze the influence of selected demographic and socio-economic factors.
From 8 urban and 8 rural communities in Guangdong Province, 1,573 35- to
44-year-olds and 1,515 65- to 74-year-olds were sampled. Specially trained
interviewers from the staff of local government or hospitals conducted
face-to-face structured interviews. Almost all of the middle-aged and more
than 90% of the dentate elderly surveyed claimed that they brushed their
teeth every day and used toothpaste during toothbrushing, but awareness
about fluoride content was lacking. The respondents had poor oral health
knowledge but positive attitudes toward oral health, providing a basis for
more community-based oral health education programs, especially targeting
adults who are less-well-educated and have fewer socio-economic advantages.
