Interventional study on oral health among school children of Gandhinagar district of Gujarat

ABSTRACT

Background: The lack of national oral health policy and organized school oral health programs in the country call for affordable, accessible, and sustainable strategies. Objectives: The objectives were to compare the oral hygiene, plaque, and gingival status among school children receiving oral health education by doctors with help of audiovisual aids and brochure. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about oral health were also assessed. Materials and Methods: Interventional study was done in 340 students of class 4–6 (9–11 years), who were present at time of study over period of 6 months. Conveniently, two schools were selected from Gandhinagar district. Predesigned questionnaire was used to evaluate the demographic background, oral health KAP of young school children about their oral health, and dental treatment. Oral health education was given, and oral check was done. Post-intervention was done after 6 months on 301 children due to absent of 39 students. Data were analyzed using MS Excel 2007 and Epi Info and χ2 test were applied. Results: A total of 87 (28.9%) children would brush their teeth twice per day, and 172 (57.1%) would brush only once per day. Practice regarding oral hygiene was improved after intervention. Association between oral hygiene and socioeconomic status (S.E.) status was found statistically significant (P < 0.05). A total of 240 (79.7%) students had good oral hygiene after intervention as compared to before intervention (68.4%) and it was statically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant improvement seen in oral hygiene and practice regarding oral hygiene after intervention. Study signified that lower S.E. class has poor oral hygiene compared to higher S.E. class.