The effects of storytelling on oral health among pre-school children at Tha Lad Khoa child development center, Tha Lad Khoa District, Chok Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

          The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the effects of storytelling and social support theory for oral health improvement of pre-school children at Tha Lad Tambon Tha Kham, Chok Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The sample group consisted of 30 people. The research was carried out during August to December 2018, using the questionnaire for data collection. The intervention comprised the activities regarding the storytelling for children and providing the parents the knowledge of oral health care. Descriptive statistics were used including percentages, means, standard deviations, maximum and minimum. Inferential statistics involving Dependent t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to compared the data in the group.

          The results revealed that after the intervention the children had significantly lesser plaque when compared to the beginning (p-value <0.001). Parents also had significantly better knowledge (p-value = 0.037) and attitude (p-value < 0.001). However, there was no significant improvement on oral practices (p-value = 0.559). The program may be probably effective in improving oral hygiene of preschoolers. However, the further study with greater designs is needed to be considered.