Method: A random sample of school teachers from all six regions within Kuwait were recruited in this cross-sectional study. A five-section questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, Knowledge, attitude, practices, and OHR-QoL of the participants. Of 1,080 completed questionnaires, 1,013 were considered valid and included in the analysis. Descriptive, univariate, and bivariate analyses were performed using SPSS 17.0 software. Correlations between all included sections and OHR-QoL were evaluated by Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r).
Result: About 71% of the participants were females, 57% were in the age group of 30-50 years, and 75% had college education. The mean knowledge score was about 61% ranged from 15% to 90%. Female English teachers had the best knowledge and attitude followed by science teachers. Except for gender, no significant difference was found in oral health practices based on age and education of the participants. Significant correlations were found between oral health practices and their correspondent knowledge except for the frequency of toothbrushing. OHR-QoL was significantly better in female teachers and those who were younger than 50 years old and had a higher education. Significant correlations were found between knowledge, attitude, practice and OHR-QoL.
Conclusion: Primary school teachers in Kuwait had a comparably adequate knowledge about and positive attitudes toward oral health and related behaviors. English skill was found to be an asset for the English language teachers that enhanced their KAP and resulted in a better OHR-QoL. However, Oral health knowledge alone did not seem to be enough to improve teachers’ OHR-QoL. Oral health education programs need to integrate health behavior models in their strategies.