The Effects of Health Education Programs on Promoting Oral Health Care to Prevent Dental Caries of Primary School Students in the District of Nong Phue Amphoe Chaturaphukpiman, Roi-et Province

Abstract

             Oral health problems are found in all age groups, especially among school-age children in upper primary school who are able to experience real tooth decay. The main reason was having poor behavior in oral health care. This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effect of the health education program on oral health promotion to prevent dental caries of upper primary education school in Nong Phue Sub-district, Chaturaphak Phiman District, Roi-et province. The research sample consisted of 70 students, divided into 2 groups, 35 in the experimental group and 35 in the comparison group. The experimental group received eight-week health education promoting program that applied self-efficacy and social support theory. Activities in the program included example of self-learning from the media, organizing group activities on demonstration and practice of brushing and flossing correctly. Social support from class teachers, parents and researchers was carried out throughout the program.

              he results showed that after the intervention the experimental group statistically had significant better knowledge, self-efficacy and dental caries prevention than those in the comparative group with (p-value<0.05). In the experimental group, there was a significant decrease in the number of plaque when compared to baseline (p-value<0.05).

          In conclusion, the success of using health education program for dental caries prevention was student volunteers, awards and information, using the ultimate media called the Freshly Smile by Idol, demonstration of correct brushing methods. Moreover, the continuing participation of teachers, friends and parents, sharing experiences with each other with providing pictures were included. These may help to improve oral health among school-age children.