Self-Reported Oral Hygiene in Children and Adolescents in Albania: A Questionnaire-Based Study

Objectives: This study aims to investigate oral hygiene knowledge in two samples (urban vs. rural) of Albanian children and adolescents through a questionnaire regarding the actions undertaken and the tools used in their daily oral hygiene routine. Methods: Two schools were selected: one in the rural area in the district of Durrës (216 students, boys and girls) and one in the urban area of Durrës (100 students, boys and girls). The children participated voluntarily and with personal responsibility in completing the questionnaire, after the purpose of this scientific work was explained. Full confidentiality is guaranteed for all participants in completing the questionnaire. Results: The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests, and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests were used to run statistical analyses. There is a statistically significant difference between males and females related to oral hygiene practices at home. Additionally, the two populations differ in their oral hygiene practices, both in self-care routines at home and in professional dental care. Conclusions: The participant children have sufficient information about oral hygiene, yet the rural population shows less self-practice or professional oral hygiene. In addition, females show higher adherence to oral hygiene practices at home. This study is the first of its kind done in Albania and highlights enduring differences between rural and urban populations, which should be targeted to address equal opportunities for each child.