FRANCISCO, Kléryson Martins Soares; SUNDEFELD, Maria Lúcia Marçal Mazza    MOIMAZ, Suzely Adas Saliba. Adolescents' knowledge regarding oral health using validated instrument by Item Response Theory. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) []. 2012, 60, 3, pp. 283-288. ISSN 1981-8637.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of 6th grade of elementary schoolchildren's knowledge at an elementary school in the municipality of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, using a validated instrument for Item Response Theory. Methods A questionnaire was developed based on a literature search of articles in computerized databases such as Pubmed, Bireme and SciELO. We selected questions that had a greater range of adjustments and by applying the Technical Focus Group, these questions were reformulated using language appropriate for the study population. Subsequently the questionnaire was subjected to application of Item Response Theory that was standardized with 19 items. For data processing for correction of the questionnaire, we used the software for analysis and EPI2000 of TRI, BILOG software. A total of 979 questionnaires were applied to adolescents aged 12-14 years who attended the 22 state schools in the city. Results The percentage of questionnaires completed was 84.4%. All questionnaire items were discriminatory, yet most needed below average skill of knowledge to be answered correctly. Sixteen percent of correct items received over 75%. Only items 2, 3 and 15 obtained indices close to 50%. Sixteen items had hit percentage above 75%. Only items 2, 3 and 15 had percentages close to 50%. Conclusion From the results of this study, we could conclude that the students have a good level of oral health knowledge, however further research is required to spread the use of Item Response Theory in analysis of assessment tools, especially in dentistry.

: Adolescent.; Knowledge.; Oral health..