Abstract
The aims of the present study were to investigate relationships between various factors which could affect toothbrushing behavior in schoolchildren, and to use the findings for development of an education program for gingivitis prevention. Toothbrushing behavior and knowledge, attitude toward toothbrushing, cognitive-behavioral factors and oral-health status were surveyed in 81 fifth grade children of an elemental school in Fukuoka City. Although 93.3% children reported daily toothbrushing, gingival inflammation was found in 85.1% of the subjects. Gingival inflammation was significantly correlated with plaque accumulation (r=0.515, p=0.0001). However, neither of these correlated with factors of toothbrushing behavior (p>0.05). Self-esteem, a cognitive-behavioral factor, was significantly associated with 5 items in the questionnaire regarding toothbrushing behavior, while self-management skills showed significant correlation with 8 items (p<0.05). The factor analysis revealed two factors which could explain the background of toothbrushing. Self-management skills showed high factorloading (0.526, 0.716) in both factors, while self-esteem contributed to one factor. These findings indicated that gingival inflammation was derived from poor skills in removing plaque, and suggested that self-management skills could be related to the establishment of daily toothbrushing. Self-management skills may be considered in the development of an education program for gingivitis prevention.
