effect of oral health education regarding knowledge, attitude and practices among high school students of semi urban area of belagavi district, karnataka - an interventional study

Research Article
Deepa J. Kulkarni, *Mubashir Angolkar, Jitendra Kumar Sah and Agre Deepchand Hirachand
DOI: 
xxx-xxx-xxx
Subject: 
Medical
KeyWords: 
Oral health, Health education, High School children, Semi Urban.
Abstract: 

Background: Oral diseases qualify as a major public health problems owing to their higher incidence & prevalence.

Objectives: To assess the impact of oral health education on knowledge, attitude & practices among high school students.

Materials and Methods: A universal sample of 400 students was taken from two government aided schools located in semi urban area of Belagavi district. Study included two groups; one school was taken as control group and other as study group. Oral health education was given twice only to study group. Pretested questionnaire was used to elicit the information. Frequency and percentage were calculated. Ethical clearance, informed consent and assent were taken.

Results: In pre test period (61.5%) control participants had better knowledge, attitude and practices regarding oral health as compared to study participants (60.5%). After giving oral health education there was a significant increase in knowledge, attitude and practices among study participants (62.6%) when compared to control participants (56.4%).

Conclusion: Proper health education intervention regarding oral health through a network of school authorities is needed to increase the KAP of school students.