Effectiveness of Oral Health Education on knowledge and practice among 15 year old children of Government High Schools in Lucknow city (Uttar Pradesh).

Abstract

Background: Oral health education, as a part of oral health promotion, has been considered as essential and basic part of dental health services.School provides a perfect setting for health education programmes aiming to control the growing burden of oral diseases and to promote oral health. Aim: To determine the impact of oral health education on oral health knowledge and practice among 15 year old school going children of government high schools in Lucknow city. Design: The schools were selected by simple random sampling method following the lottery method of selection. These classes have children of 15 years of age. Each class has two to three sections, and these sections were chosen for the purpose of data collection. Children were selected by simple random sampling technique. Results: The oral health knowledge and awareness of all children improved significantly after the education. Statistically significant increase in the proportion of correct responses was noted following the programme especially in relation to Q2, Q6, Q7, Q9 and Q10. Conclusion: The information, which children receive and the awareness that is created during the programme in school, contributes to the first tentative steps to forming their attitudes and beliefs, which may later lead to healthier choices.