Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: December | Volume: 8 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 75-80
Effectiveness of Learning Package on Knowledge Related To Oral Hygiene Practices among School- Age Children
Mr. Shivinder Pal Singh Brar1, Dr S K Maheshwari2
1Nursing Tutor, Govt. School of Nursing Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan India
2Associate Professor, University College of Nursing, BFUHS, Faridkot, Punjab
Corresponding Author: Mr. Shivinder Pal Singh Brar
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Gingivitis, halitosis and cavities are common dental problems, which are often unnoticed until they start giving worrisome trouble. Oral hygiene involves keeping the teeth and oral cavity clean and free from odour. School children frequently prefer to use raw sugars, candies etc throughout the day making it important to educate the school age children regarding oral hygiene practices. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of learning package on knowledge of the school-age children regarding oral hygiene practices.
Methods: An experimental study with pre test post test control group design was used to assess the effectiveness of learning package on knowledge of the 6-12 aged school-age children regarding oral hygiene practices. Simple random sampling technique (lottery method) was utilized to select 60 school-age children (allotted 30 in each group by odd-even method). Socio demographic profile and knowledge questionnaire related to dental practices were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The results of this study shows that pre-test knowledge score of the school-age children in the both experimental and control group had no significant difference. Post-test knowledge score was significantly different in the experimental group (n=24, 80%) as compared to control group (n=10, 33%). The significant difference in the experimental group between pre-test and post-test score was 50%, due to the learning package.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggested that learning package was very effective in improving knowledge of the school-age children regarding oral hygiene practices. Study recommended that all health authorities and school administrators should strengthen their work for raising awareness and translation of sound knowledge about risk factors of poor oral health on children to the parents, school teachers, and children themselves.
Key words: Learning package, Oral hygiene practices, knowledge, School-age children.