The application of the self-efficacy theory for behavioral modification on gingivitis protection for students at grade 5 of primary school, Mongcan Sub-District, Rasisalai District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

          This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the application of the theory for protection against gingivitis for students in grade 5 at a primary school, Mongcan Sub-District , Rasisalai District, Sisaket Province. The study consisted of 68 students, who were separated into two groups: the experimental group consisted of 36 students while the comparison group was 32 students. The experimental group was set up the Dental Health Education Program, which included teaching the prevention of gingivitis, observation, and demonstration. A questionnaire was employed to collect the data as well as a plaque index measurement form, establishing the before and after experimental periods. The statistics were analyzed for descriptive data, also the Paired Sample t-test and Independent Sample t-test were applied for the comparative data analysis.

          The results and findings revealed that after the trial, a) knowledge about gingivitis was at a high level 69.40% b) the score for selfefficacy was high at 69.40% c) the score for the expectation of good results was moderate 58.30% d) the score was high for the prevention of gum disease 72.20% e) awareness that plaque should be kept to a low level was 100.00 %. After the program was implemented the experimental group had increased their mean score of knowledge for the prevention of gingivitis, the self-efficacy outcome, and the expectation behavior, also the scores were significantly higher than the comparison group at a level of 0.05 (P-value <0.001). It was also found that the mean score of the awareness of dental plaque of the experimental group was significantly low after being involved in the implementation program, this was also lower than the comparison group at a level of 0.05 (P-Value <0.001). In conclusion, this program should be introduced to all healthcare areas to encourage people, especially young students, who can generate their own self-efficiency outcome for preventing and solving dental care problems in Thailand.