DIFFERENCES IN THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES REGARDING ORAL HEALTH AMONG STUDENTS FROM DIFFERENT TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE CITY OF NAMPULA

Abstract

Introduction. Oral health literacy and behaviors directly influence the burden of dental caries and other oral diseases, which remain highly prevalent in African countries, including Mozambique, despite being largely preventable. Objective. To compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding oral health among students from four technical-vocational institutions in Nampula and to identify institutional variations with pedagogical implications aligned with national and regional agendas. Methods. Analytical cross-sectional study with aggregated data from four institutions (Tenha Esperança, IGCS, Polivalente de Marrere, and IFP de Marrere), with inter-institutional comparisons using chi-square and Cramer's V, in line with KAP survey analysis practices applied in Mozambique and the region. Results. Among 325 students, statistically significant heterogeneity was observed between institutions in: cause of caries (χ²=96.7; p<0.001; V=0.315), correct brushing frequency (χ²=93.3; p<0.001; V=0.309), importance of flossing (χ²=55.0; p<0.001), seeking a dentist when experiencing pain (χ²=95.6; p<0.001), brushing ≥2 times/day (χ²=17.6; p<0.001), regular flossing (χ²=65.0; p<0.001), toothbrush replacement (χ²=153.4; p<0.001; V=0.384), and professional guidance (χ²=183.3; p<0.001), in addition to a large effect on the regularity of dentist visits in the three establishments with data (χ²=199.3; p<0.001; V=0.651), consistent with disparities previously observed in Mozambique. Conclusions. Relevant institutional differences in CAP suggest that targeted curriculum adaptations, practical content, promotion of preventive visits, and interproximal hygiene training can reduce disparities, in line with the priorities of the Global Oral Health Strategy 2023–2030 and the African regional framework (WHO, 2024; WHO/AFRO, 2025).