AWARENESS OF MOUTHGUARD USE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM.
MAHLEYUDDIN MM1, KOK EC2, LOVELL D3, DHALIWAL JS1.
1PAPRSB Institute of Health Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam.
2Department of Dental Services, Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam.
3BUPA Exeter Dental Centre, Exeter, United Kingdom.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study assesses the awareness and utilization of a protective device (mouthguard) among secondary school children in Brunei Darussalam. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 500 children aged 11 to 20 years attending in ten secondary schools in Brunei Muara District through their parents. The questionnaire sought information regarding their child’s sporting activities, awareness and utilization of mouthguards. The level of awareness and utilization of mouthguards were analysed using R studio (version 1.1.383). Results: A total of 384 secondary school children (aged 11-20) consisting of 154 males (40.1%) and 230 females (59.9%) from years 7 to 11 participated in the study, giving a response rate of 76.8%. Among the participants, 64.6% had knowledge regarding a mouthguard. It was found that 99% of the participants did not use a mouthguard while playing sports. More than half of the students (57.3%) were aware that mouthguards can prevent dental injuries during sports. 45.8% of parents felt that their child should wear a mouthguard to prevent injuries during sports while 54.2% did not think that their child needed a mouthguard. Conclusion: Although majority of the students were aware of mouthguards and its function, sadly only 1% of them actually used a mouthguard during sport to prevent injuries. Furthermore, it is recommended that the parents who have children taking part in sport activities where they are at risk of orofacial injuries during sports should be educated on the benefits of mouthguards.
Keywords: Awareness, Mouthguard, (Oro)-Facial injuries, School, Children, Sport, injuries.
Corresponding author: Dr Jagjit S. Dhaliwal, Senior Assistant Professor, PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Tel: +673-7256731.
Email: jagjit.dhaliwal@ubd.edu.bn
Brunei Int Med J. 2022;18:39-45