GAIN AND LOSS FRAMED ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS IN CHILDHOOD

Abstract

Prevention of diseases and provision of a satisfactory quality of life for the population should be a primary aim of all societies. Knowledge, attitude and beliefs have been considered important factors in oral health care. Oral health behaviours such as brushing, flossing, regular dental visits and receiving the primary preventive measures are necessary to avoid caries and periodontitis. School based oral health education has been found effective in improving oral heath knowledge. Heath massages can be framed in positive (gain- framed) and in negative (loss-frame) methods. How information is presented can influence oral health behaviours.

Aim: To compare these two oral health education methods in elementary school children.

Methods: Between September and December 2015, all 205 children aged from 6- 12 years from the only junior school in a small town near Debrecen and their parents were invited to take part in this study. Data regarding socio- economic status, educational level, oral health knowledge, attitude and regular dental care were collected by questionnaire from children and from parents before an oral examination. Children were randomly divided into two groups, and oral health education was given in one of the two the baseline assessment of DMF-T and plaque index. Two months later the effectiveness of the oral health education program was assessed when the plaque index was taken and a questionnaire was completed by the children. Ethics approval was given by the Ethics Committee of Debrecen University and the parents of all children who participated gave their consent.

Results: Of those invited questionnaires were completed in full and clinical examinations performed on 160 children, of whom 83 were female and 77 male (mean age 9 years, SD±1.94). The average DMF-T was 5.44 with D=5.27, M=0.02, F=0.15 components. The baseline plaque index was 46.4% (±22.4). After two months, the mean plaque index was reduced 10.3% (±14.6), there was no statistical difference between the two oral health education groups. There was a significant association between parental education level and their children’s plaque index decrease (p>0.0001. The highest reduction in plaque level was found in children whose parents had a high educational level and the least in those whose parents had a low educational level.

Conclusion: In the case of children whose parents had a low level of education, the school based oral health education programs was not effective. In their case parental education and individual motivation or peer learning in small groups may be more beneficial.