Assessment on oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice and its association with sociodemographic factors in Jakarta population
Abstract
Introduction: Oral health (OH) is vital to overall well-being, influencing essential functions such as chewing, speaking, and expressing emotions without discomfort. Despite its importance, OH problems remain a public health concern globally and in Indonesia, especially among youth. Jakarta, as the capital, reflects disparities in OH knowledge, attitude, and practices, shaped by demographic and socioeconomic factors.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 using an online questionnaire targeting Jakarta residents aged 10 years and above. A total of 614 participants were recruited through random sampling. The questionnaire, adapted from a validated tool, assessed OH knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests and Spearman’s correlation, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The majority of participants demonstrated good knowledge (98.2%) and positive attitudes (95.3%), but only 75.9% practiced adequate oral hygiene. Significant associations were found between age group and both knowledge (p< 0.001) and practice (p = 0.018). Education level and location were also linked to knowledge (p= 0.030 and p= 0.021, respectively), while gender showed no significant associations.
Conclusions: While OH knowledge and attitudes are high among Jakarta residents, gaps in practice persist, particularly among younger age groups. Targeted interventions based on age, education, and regional disparities are essential to improve oral health behaviors. This study underscores the need for continuous, demographically tailored oral health promotion efforts to reduce preventable oral diseases in Jakarta.
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