A Study to Assess TheEffect of Health Education on Dental Care Among School Children in Selected School , Puducherry

Abstract

Background:

Dental diseases are common and largely preventable among school children. Inadequate oral hygiene knowledge and poor dental care practices can increase the risk of dental caries and gingival disease . school – based health education provides an accessiable strategy for improving oral health knowledge and encouraging desirable practices

Materials and methods:         

A quantitative approach with a pre- experimental one -group pre-test and post -test  design was adopted. The study included 120 school children aged 444-450 years studying in selected Government or private school in pudhucherry . participants were selected using simple random sampling by lottery method. Data were collected using a demographic proforma,20 - structured knowledge questionnaire, and 20 structured practice checklist . A structured health education programme on dental care was delivered using lecture-cum-discussion ,powerpoint presentation and live demonstration.Post-test assessment was conducted after seven days. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage , mean , standard deviation , paired t-test and chi-square test

Results:

In the pre-test , 72 (60.0%) children had inadequate knowledge and and 48 (40.0%) had moderately adequate knowledge, none had adequate knowledge . after the intervention , 97 (80.8) achieved adequate knowledge and 23 (19.2%) had moderately adequate knowledge . regarding practice , 55 (45.8%) had poor practice and 65 (54.2%) had fair practice in the pre- test , whereas 101 (84.2%) demonstrated good practice and 19 (15.8%) fair practice in the post -test . the mean knowledge score increased from 8.12±2.31 to 16.84± 1.86 (mean difference 8.72;t=31.58;df=119;p,<0.001). the mean practice score increased from 7.46±2.08 to 16. 27 ± 2.02 (mean difference 8.81;t=33.24;df=199;p<0.001).pre-test knowledge and practice were significantly associated with selected variables including age , class, parental education , monthly family income , previous dental education and dental visits.

Conclusion:

The Structured health education Programme was highly effective in improving both knowledge and dental care practice among school children. Regular school – based oral health education , reinforcement by parents and teachers, and collaboration with dental professionals may strengthen preventive oral health care among children.