Development of oral health promotion model for preschool children by the people participation in child development centers of Muenwai Subdistrict Administration Organization, Muenwai Sub-district, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

        This action research aimed to study the development of oral health promotion model for preschool children by the people participation in child development center of Muenwai Subdistrict Administration Organization, Muenwai Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Data were collected from 114 participants using quantitative and qualitative methods regarding questionnaires, group discussions, interviews and observations. Descriptive statistics were analyzed by frequency, percentages, means, standard deviations, minimum and maximum. In addition, an inferential statistics as a Paired sample t-test was also performed.

        The finding revealed that the development of oral health promotion model for preschool children by the people participation arose from the participation of the community idea.  Parents and networks participation in the research involved eight stages of development including: 1) Study community context 2) Analyze problems and workshop together 3) Construct action Plan 4) Implement the plan  5) Observe, monitor and evaluate the plan 6) Compare the results 7) Summarize the results and 8) Reflect the results. The results showed that after the development, there was an increase in the mean score of knowledge, attitude, practice, Participation and activity satisfaction , and the scores of Plaque Index (PI) for children improved significantly (p-value<0.001). In addition, the Child Development Center passed the criteria for evaluating the quality of the child center, both in terms of activities and outcomes. The result also showed that preschoolers increased cavity free.

        In summary, this model was created to community context. The key success factors comprised the community participation in activities that operated in the area, good techniques to empowerment of parents’ recognition of the importance of oral health, including the continuous activity and emphasis with stakeholders in community.