IADR Abstract Archives
Food Intake and Oral Hygiene Practices among Children in Philippines
Objectives: This study determined the food intake, frequency of dental visit, and oral hygiene practices of children in a Barangay in Pasay City, Philippines.
Methods: Purposive sampling technique was implemented to gather one hundred (100) guardians 6-9 years old to participate in this study. Survey questionnaire were distributed to gather data on children's age, height, and weight. The children's Body Mass Index (BMI) were subsequently computed. Questions regarding the children's food intake, frequency of dental visit, and oral hygiene practices were answered in frequency scales. Data were reported using percentage.
Results: The result showed majority (39%) of the children are 6 years old. The remaining 26%,21%, and 14% of the respondents are 9,8, and 7 years old, respectively. Based on their Body Mass Index, majority (43%) of the children are underweight. The remaining 18% are overweight, 15% are obese, and 24% are healthy. Regarding food intake, 80% answered the children preferred to eat sweet food, while 20% don't prefer to sweet food. Furthermore, 96% answered that their children eat a variety of go, grow, and glow foods, while the remaining 4% do not. In terms of frequency of dental visit, most of the children (66%) have not gone to dental clinic even if they experienced dental problems, while 31% have visited a dental clinic at least once. Regarding oral hygiene practices, 33% of the respondents answered that they help the children in brushing their teeth, while 67% answered that they don't help the children in brushing their teeth. Meanwhile, 19% of the children use dental floss, and 81% don't. Furthermore, 31% of the children use mouthwash, while 69% don't.
Conclusions: The findings in this study indicate that the children in a Barangay in Pasay City, Philippines have poor diet and poor oral hygiene practices.
Methods: Purposive sampling technique was implemented to gather one hundred (100) guardians 6-9 years old to participate in this study. Survey questionnaire were distributed to gather data on children's age, height, and weight. The children's Body Mass Index (BMI) were subsequently computed. Questions regarding the children's food intake, frequency of dental visit, and oral hygiene practices were answered in frequency scales. Data were reported using percentage.
Results: The result showed majority (39%) of the children are 6 years old. The remaining 26%,21%, and 14% of the respondents are 9,8, and 7 years old, respectively. Based on their Body Mass Index, majority (43%) of the children are underweight. The remaining 18% are overweight, 15% are obese, and 24% are healthy. Regarding food intake, 80% answered the children preferred to eat sweet food, while 20% don't prefer to sweet food. Furthermore, 96% answered that their children eat a variety of go, grow, and glow foods, while the remaining 4% do not. In terms of frequency of dental visit, most of the children (66%) have not gone to dental clinic even if they experienced dental problems, while 31% have visited a dental clinic at least once. Regarding oral hygiene practices, 33% of the respondents answered that they help the children in brushing their teeth, while 67% answered that they don't help the children in brushing their teeth. Meanwhile, 19% of the children use dental floss, and 81% don't. Furthermore, 31% of the children use mouthwash, while 69% don't.
Conclusions: The findings in this study indicate that the children in a Barangay in Pasay City, Philippines have poor diet and poor oral hygiene practices.