Effect of Oral Health Educational Program on Oral Hygiene Status in a Group of Egyptian School Children : Before and After Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 - MSc Degree Student, Military Institute of Health and Epidemiology, Military Medical Academy, Cairo. Egypt. - Teaching Assistant, Orthodontics Department, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts

2 Lecturer, pediatric dentistry and dental public health department, Cairo University

3 Professor, Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health Department, Cairo University.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an oral health educational program on oral hygiene among a group of schoolchildren in Egypt.
Methods: A before-and-after study was conducted among children aged 9–12 years. A total of 155 Egyptian schoolchildren (90 females and 65 males) participated in the study. An interactive health education program was specially designed and delivered, incorporating a PowerPoint presentation, videos, flyers, and posters with basic information about oral health, as well as simple instructions on proper tooth-brushing techniques and gum care. Oral hygiene was assessed using the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S) at baseline (T0) and six months after the intervention (T1).
Results: Statistical analysis showed a marked overall reduction in the percentage of debris and calculus by the end of the study. A highly significant decrease in debris levels was observed from T0 (=1.92) to T1 (= 0.09). Similarly, calculus levels were significantly decreased from T0 (= 1.35) to T1 (= 0.02). Although the difference between males and females was not statistically significant (93.5% and 96.4%, respectively), a marked improvement in OHI-S scores was observed. The percentage of participants with OHI-S scores between 0.0 and 1.2, indicating good oral hygiene, increased markedly from 20% at T0 to 100% at T1.
Conclusion: The oral health education program effectively improved the oral hygiene of schoolchildren, as shown by significant decreases in OHI-S scores.

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