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Põld A, Kientega DF, Garé JV, Listl S. A mixed methods evaluation of the effectiveness of an oral health training program for disability care workers in Burkina Faso. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:33. [PMID: 38184531 PMCID: PMC10771690 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03837-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While efforts to improve the oral health of vulnerable populations have received little attention in general, the situation of children with disabilities in low- income countries (LICs) remains especially challenging. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of an oral health training provided to disability care workers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso thereby contributing to closing the knowledge gap in disability research in relation to oral health in LICs. METHODS This was a single-arm pre-post study following an embedded mixed methods design using the New World Kirkpatrick training effectiveness evaluation model. For the purposes of this study, three levels of the Kirkpatrick (KP) evaluation were considered: reaction, learning and behaviour. RESULTS A total of 44 care workers from 6 disability centres participated in the study. Care worker post-training scores (Md = 17) were significantly higher compared to pre-training scores (Md = 13) [Wilcoxon signed-ranks test: Z= -5.53, p < .001, r = .59.] The median value for care worker confidence in applying training material in their everyday job was 7 out of 10 points (IQR = 3). At the 1-month training follow-up, 3 centres had implemented daily toothbrushing for people with disabilities. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that tailored training led to an increase in care worker confidence and motivation to implement oral health activities, in knowledge about oral health and a partial implementation uptake of daily toothbrushing in disability centres. Further long-term evaluations with dental care provision in rural and urban settings are needed to lower the high oral disease burden of people with disabilities in Burkina Faso.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ave Põld
- Institute of International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Section for Translational Health Economics, Department for Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Dan Filwendé Kientega
- Department of Public Health, Training and Research Unit in Health Sciences, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Jocelyne Valérie Garé
- Department of Public Health, Training and Research Unit in Health Sciences, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Stefan Listl
- Section for Translational Health Economics, Department for Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dentistry - Quality and Safety of Oral Health Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Mustuloğlu Ş, Özler CÖ, Tekçiçek MU, Arslan SS. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dysphagia clinicians regarding oral health-An international study. SPECIAL CARE IN DENTISTRY 2024; 44:231-241. [PMID: 37029087 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dysphagia clinicians regarding oral health care. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS An 11-question and 37-statement survey inquiring the clinicians' descriptive information, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to oral health was administered via Google forms. A total of 234 dysphagia clinicians responded on behalf of themselves. The findings showed that 41.5% (n = 97) of the clinicians had a high level of knowledge about oral health. There was a significant relationship between the level of oral health knowledge and the clinicians' oral health education (p < .05). A percentage of 6.4 (n = 15) of the clinicians had a high level of attitude toward oral health. Oral health education status of clinicians and their profession was significantly related to the attitude toward oral health (p < .05). Most of the clinicians (44.0%, n = 103) had low behavior level. The level of behavior was significantly associated with status of receiving oral health education, their professions, duration of experience, and institution (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS The study showed that clinicians exhibit moderate mean knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors scores, and these states are significantly associated with oral health education. This can serve as a stimulus for clinicians caring for dysphagia patients to receive oral health education during their university education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeyma Mustuloğlu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Cansu Özsin Özler
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Meryem Uzamış Tekçiçek
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selen Serel Arslan
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Marashi SZ, Hidarnia A, Kazemi SS, Zarei F. Factors predicting oral health behaviors among students age 13-15 years in Shushtar city, Iran. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:691. [PMID: 37749536 PMCID: PMC10521401 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03363-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tooth decay and other oral health (periodontal) diseases are highly prevalent worldwide and present a significant economic burden. Oral health is particularly important for adolescents, as the World Health Organization has identified tooth decay as one of the most pressing global health issues. This study aims to identify predictors of oral health behaviors among students aged 13-15 years in the city of Shushtar, Iran. METHODS The present research is a cross-sectional study that was conducted during the summer of 2022 on 415 adolescents from the first secondary school in Shushtar. Two standard questionnaires were used to collect data, consisting of demographic information and questions related to measuring awareness, attitude, performance, and self-efficacy regarding oral health behaviors among adolescents. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 22 statistical software through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. RESULTS The average scores for awareness, attitude, self-efficacy in brushing teeth, self-efficacy in flossing, self-efficacy in going to the dentist, and adolescents' performance on oral health behaviors are 5.72 ± 2.06, 36.40 ± 6.36, 25.40 ± 7.49, 14.15 ± 6.06, 15.80 ± 5.59, and 14.01 ± 4.02, respectively. CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that adolescents have low levels of awareness, performance, self-efficacy, and a positive attitude towards oral health. Considering the significance of adolescence as a stage for shaping oral health behaviors and their impact on adulthood, it is recommended to increase awareness among adolescents and improve their health behaviors by conducting educational classes in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zahra Marashi
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Hidarnia
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyedeh Somayeh Kazemi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Zarei
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Saxena V, Pradhan P, Bhargava A, K B MM, Shende N, Jain M. Assessment of Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of School Teachers in Indore City, Madhya Pradesh, India: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e42170. [PMID: 37602108 PMCID: PMC10439362 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Teachers are central to the well-being of a community. Being an influential part of society, their role can be broadened to promote oral health and healthy oral hygiene habits. This study was aimed at the assessment of the oral health status and treatment needs of school teachers in Indore City. METHOD A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of five months on 470 school teachers working in various government schools of Indore city selected through random sampling technique. The modified WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults 2013 was used to record oral health status and treatment needs, while the WHO Questionnaire for Adults 2013 was used to document oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and deleterious habits. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Chi-square test, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used. RESULTS The gender distribution of the representative sample showed female predominance. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption was 5.1% among the study subjects. The mean number of Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) was 3.45 ± 3.10, and the mean number of 1.52 ± 2.40 teeth showed the presence of bleeding. Around 37.2% had shallow pockets of 4-5 mm. A mean number of 4.26 ± 1.97 sextants showed 0-3 mm attachment loss. There was a significant association between the frequency and technique of toothbrushing with a decayed number of teeth (p<0.001). CONCLUSION High proportion of dental caries and periodontal disease was seen which could be related to their oral health care-seeking behavior and the impairment related to age changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vrinda Saxena
- Public Health Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, IND
| | - Pragya Pradhan
- Public Health Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, IND
| | - Ankita Bhargava
- Public Health Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, IND
| | | | - Neha Shende
- Public Health Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, IND
| | - Manoj Jain
- Public Health Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, IND
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Gu Z, Sun X, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Jiang X, Liu Y, Li Y. Investigation of oral health knowledge and attitudes towards oral health education among elementary school teachers in Zunyi. HUA XI KOU QIANG YI XUE ZA ZHI = HUAXI KOUQIANG YIXUE ZAZHI = WEST CHINA JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY 2023; 41:52-57. [PMID: 38596941 PMCID: PMC9988443 DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the oral health knowledge of elementary school teachers and assess their attitude towards oral health education in Zunyi. METHODS A total of 636 teachers from 10 primary schools in Zunyi were selected by stratified sampling, and their general information, oral health care habits, results of oral health knowledge questionnaire, and attitude towards oral health and oral health education were investigated. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 21.0. RESULTS A total of 614 teachers answered the questionnaires. Only 8.8% brush their teeth for more than three minutes, 23.8% brush their teeth horizontally, 64.7% do not performteeth cleaning, and 78.2% do not use floss. Teachers have a weak understanding that six-year teeth are permanent, that pit and fissure sealing could prevent dental caries, and that dental floss could remove dental plaque. However, their attitude towards oral health and oral health education was found to be good. CONCLUSIONS Schools could improve teachers' oral health know-ledge by organizing training and other activities. Teachers could also play an active role in leading and cultivating school-age children to establish good oral habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Gu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563099, China
| | - Xueqin Sun
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563099, China
| | - Yijie Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563099, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563099, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Jiang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563099, China
| | - Yunkun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yang Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563099, China
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Caries Experience and Treatment Needs in Urban and Rural Environments in School-Age Children from Three Provinces of Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Study. Dent J (Basel) 2022; 10:dj10100185. [PMID: 36285995 PMCID: PMC9600713 DOI: 10.3390/dj10100185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In Ecuador, national epidemiological surveys have not been updated; however, some regional studies in the northern areas of the country still report a high prevalence of dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine the experience, severity, and need for treatment of dental caries in school children aged 6 to 12 years in urban and rural settings in three provinces of southern Ecuador. This cross-sectional, relational study examined 1938 schoolchildren in the provinces of Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago. The survey instruments were based mainly on the WHO manual Methods of Oral Health Surveys (dmft) for primary and permanent dentition (DMFT), as well as the prevalence, severity, and Significant Caries Index (SCI). The parametric Student’s t-test was used to compare two groups, and the Spearman’s Rho and Tau-c Kendall correlation coefficients were used to associate the categorical variables. Results: The prevalence of caries in the primary dentition was 78% and 89.2% in the permanent dentition. The dmft (M = 4.12, SD = 2.86) and DMFT (M = 3.62: SD = 3.07) placed the general group in a moderate caries index. The need for treatment was 90.68% in the primary dentition, while it was 87.99% in the permanent dentition. Caries severity in both dentitions was high (M = 7.74; SD = 3.42). Conclusions. Alarming indicators of caries experience and the need for treatment were observed in the population studied.
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Maida CA, Marcus M, Xiong D, Ortega-Verdugo P, Agredano E, Huang Y, Zhou L, Lee SY, Shen J, Hays RD, Crall JJ, Liu H. Investigating Perceptions of Teachers and School Nurses on Child and Adolescent Oral Health in Los Angeles County. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084722. [PMID: 35457591 PMCID: PMC9032022 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the results of focus groups with school nurses and teachers from elementary, middle, and high schools to explore their perceptions of child and adolescent oral health. Participants included 14 school nurses and 15 teachers (83% female; 31% Hispanic; 21% White; 21% Asian; 14% African American; and 13% Others). Respondents were recruited from Los Angeles County schools and scheduled by school level for six one-hour focus groups using Zoom. Audio recordings were transcribed, reviewed, and saved with anonymization of speaker identities. NVivo software (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia) was used to facilitate content analysis and identify key themes. The nurses’ rate of “Oral Health Education” comments statistically exceeded that of teachers, while teachers had higher rates for “Parental Involvement” and “Mutual Perception” comments. “Need for Care” was perceived to be more prevalent in immigrants to the United States based on student behaviors and complaints. “Access to Care” was seen as primarily the nurses’ responsibilities. Strong relationships between community clinics and schools were viewed by some as integral to students achieving good oral health. The results suggest dimensions and questions important to item development for oral health surveys of children and parents to address screening, management, program assessment, and policy planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A. Maida
- Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.M.); (D.X.); (E.A.); (Y.H.); (L.Z.); (J.S.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Marvin Marcus
- Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.M.); (D.X.); (E.A.); (Y.H.); (L.Z.); (J.S.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Di Xiong
- Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.M.); (D.X.); (E.A.); (Y.H.); (L.Z.); (J.S.); (J.J.C.)
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Paula Ortega-Verdugo
- Division of Preventative and Restorative Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (P.O.-V.); (S.Y.L.)
| | - Elizabeth Agredano
- Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.M.); (D.X.); (E.A.); (Y.H.); (L.Z.); (J.S.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Yilan Huang
- Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.M.); (D.X.); (E.A.); (Y.H.); (L.Z.); (J.S.); (J.J.C.)
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Linyu Zhou
- Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.M.); (D.X.); (E.A.); (Y.H.); (L.Z.); (J.S.); (J.J.C.)
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steve Y. Lee
- Division of Preventative and Restorative Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (P.O.-V.); (S.Y.L.)
| | - Jie Shen
- Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.M.); (D.X.); (E.A.); (Y.H.); (L.Z.); (J.S.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Ron D. Hays
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA 90407, USA
| | - James J. Crall
- Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.M.); (D.X.); (E.A.); (Y.H.); (L.Z.); (J.S.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Honghu Liu
- Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.M.); (D.X.); (E.A.); (Y.H.); (L.Z.); (J.S.); (J.J.C.)
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Bastani P, Bahrami MA, Kapellas K, Yusefi A, Rossi-Fedele G. Online oral health information seeking experience and knowledge, attitudes and practices of oral health among iranian medical students: an online survey. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:29. [PMID: 35120496 PMCID: PMC8814779 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The internet is increasingly used as a source of health information. This study aimed to explore the online oral health information seeking experience, to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of oral health, and to investigate the associations between online oral health information seeking experience and oral health KAP of participants. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Three hundred and ninety-five university students participated in the study. Required data were gathered using two valid questionnaires eHIQ (e-Health Information Questionnaire) and Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Questionnaire. eHIQ was a 2-part instrument with 37 items. eHIQ-Part 1 includes 11 items related to general views of using the internet in relation to health. eHIQ-Part 2 includes 26 items related to the consequences of using specific health-related online sources. The second questionnaire includes 30 items as a combination of multiple-choice and yes/no type questions. The data were analyzed using the statistical analysis software SPSS version 20. Mean scores, standard deviation, and frequency distribution were obtained. Independent T-test, correlation coefficients and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in the analysis. Results Participants had good KAP of oral health. The between-group differences tests showed that oral health knowledge and attitudes were significantly different between gender and years of study groups, but the differences of oral health practices were significant only based on years of study. Participants had moderate scores regarding all sub-scales of eHIQ-Parts 1 and 2. Findings revealed that online oral health information seeking behavior was associated with oral health KAP (p < 0.05). Conclusion According to the results the general views of using the internet in relation to health and the consequences of using specific health-related online sources were in a moderate level among the participants. Such results can emphasize the need for more planning, education and empowerment of the population`s health literacy. The present study also provides good insights for the latter and has practical and policy implications besides its research values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peivand Bastani
- Faculty of Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mohammad Amin Bahrami
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Health Human Resource Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Kostas Kapellas
- Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, Adelaide Dental School, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alireza Yusefi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
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Shaheen R, AlShulayyil M, Baseer MA, Saeed Bahamid AA, AlSaffan AD, Al Herbisch R. Self-Reported Basic Oral Health Knowledge of Primary School Students and Teachers in Rural Areas of Saudi Arabia. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent 2021; 13:521-529. [PMID: 34908879 PMCID: PMC8664646 DOI: 10.2147/ccide.s341240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral health knowledge is essential for establishing healthy behaviors. Aim The purpose of the study was to determine and compare the basic oral health knowledge of 3–6th grade government primary school students and teachers in rural areas of Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among government primary school students and teachers in a rural area (Thadig and Ad-Delam) of the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia using validated, structured, close-ended and self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire comprised demographic variables and 18 multiple-choice items. A convenience sampling methodology was employed to select the study sample. Results A total of 1864 subjects from rural area government primary schools [students (N = 1538) and teachers (N = 326)] participated in this study. The majority of the students were females 841 (54.7%), Saudi nationals 1376 (89.5%), and studying in 5th grade 446 (29%). Most teacher participants were females, 199 (61.0%), and Saudi nationals, 326 (100.0%). Teachers (12.62 ± 2.36) demonstrated significantly higher overall mean knowledge scores compared to the students (9.63 ± 2.36) (p < 0.001). Females and non-Saudi students showed significantly higher mean knowledge scores compared to their counterparts. However, 4th standard students showed significantly lower mean knowledge scores compared to other graders. Female teachers (13.17 ± 2.25) demonstrated significantly higher overall oral health knowledge scores compared to male teachers (11.75 ± 2.26) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Basic oral health knowledge was adequate among 3–6th grade government primary school students and teachers in rural areas of the Riyadh region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakan Shaheen
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammad Abdul Baseer
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Reem Al Herbisch
- College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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A Household-Based Survey to Understand Factors Influencing Awareness, Attitudes and Knowledge towards Wolbachia-Aedes Technology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211997. [PMID: 34831751 PMCID: PMC8623221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In 2016, Singapore introduced the release of male Wolbachia-Aedes mosquitoes to complement vector control efforts and suppress Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in selected study sites. With ongoing expansion of Project Wolbachia-Singapore to cover larger areas, a household-based survey was conducted between July 2019 to February 2020 in two Project Wolbachia study sites using a structured questionnaire, to evaluate current sentiments and assess the need for enhanced public messaging and engagement. The association of factors that influence awareness, attitudes, and knowledge towards the use of Wolbachia-Aedes technology was analysed using Pearson's Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Of 500 respondents, 74.8% were aware of Project Wolbachia-Singapore. Comparatively, the level of knowledge on Wolbachia-Aedes technology was lower, suggesting knowledge gaps that require enhanced communication and messaging to address misinformation. Longer exposure to the project predicted greater awareness, whereas higher education levels predicted higher knowledge levels. Younger age groups and higher education levels were associated with high acceptance towards the project. High levels of trust and acceptance towards the project were also observed across the population. The public's positive perception of the project is a testament to the effective public communication undertaken to date and will facilitate programme expansion.
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