Awareness and utilization of dental services among secondary school student in Moshi municipality

Abstract

Aim: To determine the awareness and utilization of dental services among secondary school students in Moshi Municipality. Materials and Methodology: This cross sectional study among 200 secondary school students aged 13-21 years old was done using a supervised Kiswahili self administered questionnaire. Two schools were conveniently chosen to obtain the needed sample of participants into this study. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 13.0. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: About 55% of the participants were aware of the dental services rendered. Proportionately more males were aware of dental services (63.6%), and utilized the services (48.6%) than females (44.1% and 44.1% respectively). Older students were more aware of the dental services (56.6%) and less utilized them (41.0%) compared to younger students (52.6% and 55.1% respectively). Students who had moderate to high level of awareness utilized dental services more (59.1%) than those with low levels of awareness (40.8%). Conclusion: More than half of the respondents were aware of the available dental services. Only 46.5% had utilized dental services during their lifetime. Students with moderate to high levels of awareness utilized dental services more than those with low levels of awareness.