Descriptive analysis of toothbrushing used as an aid for primary prevention: a population-based study in Sebha, Libya

Soc Work Public Health. 2013;28(6):575-82. doi: 10.1080/19371918.2013.791527.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess toothbrushing behavior and descriptively analyze the effect of age and gender. Two thousand and six people from the city of Sebha, Libya, aged 1 to 64 years (mean age 26.9 ± 11.6 years, 1,463 females and 543 males) constituted the study sample. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Overall, 85.3% were using a toothbrush and toothpaste as a cleaning aid, whereas 6.3% never brushed their teeth. Only 36.1% brushed twice daily. Age and gender were significantly associated with use of a toothbrush and frequency of toothbrushing. This data serves as a baseline to implement a "preventive self-care instruction program."

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dentifrices / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Libya
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Primary Prevention / organization & administration*
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Toothbrushing / psychology*
  • Toothbrushing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Toothpastes / therapeutic use*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Dentifrices
  • Toothpastes