Abstract: Background, Nail biting is an abnormal oral habit commonly adopted by
children and young adults that leads to nail injuries, oral infection, emotional and
psychological issues in children. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect
of Pender's health promotion intervention on nail biting among school age children.
Design, A quasi- experimental research design was used (pre, post, and follow up).
Setting, This study was conducted in Islamic primary school in Shebein Elkom in
Menoufia Governorate. Sample, a purposive sample of 40 children and their parents
were included. Five data collection instruments were used A structured interviewing
questionnaire to assess mother's knowledge about nail biting habit, observational
assessment sheet for nails abnormality, nail biting likert scale, Pender's health
promotion structured questionnaire and measuring tape. The results of this study
showed that the majority of mother's had higher level of knowledge about nail biting
on post and follow -up tests than on pretest (62.5%, 100.0 % Vs 0.0%.). As well,
children had moderate level of self-efficacy on posttest and follow up (52.5% and
37.5%). Therefore, It was concluded that implementation of Pender's health promotion
model had a significant effect on diminishing nail biting habit in children on post and
follow-up tests than pretest. The study recommended that, application of Pender's
health promotion intervention to minimize nail biting habit in school age children must
be implemented. Ongoing in-service health education programs based on application of
Pender's health promotion model for children with nail biting should be designed and
implemented in schools and others pediatric health care settings to improve the care of
children with bad oral habits.