Effectiveness of STP on Oral Health Practices among the Children (6–14 Yrs)

Oral health is an integral component of general health. Good oral health is important to overall well being. An experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of STP on oral health practices among the children (6–14 yrs) in selected schools, Ludhiana. Data was collected from 42 children – 21 in control group and 21 in experimental group of two schools i.e. Ewing Christian Senior Secondary School and Jain Public Senior Secondary School. Data was collected by preparing structured questionnaire to assess knowledge regarding oral health practices and observational checklist to assess practices regarding brushing technique. Data was collected in the month of November, 2009. Findings revealed that structured teaching was effective in raising the knowledge level regarding oral health practices and improving the practice level regarding brushing technique.

To assess and compare pretest and posttest knowledge on oral health practices among children.

To assess and compare pretest and posttest practices on brushing technique among children.

The study was conducted in two schools of Ludhiana i.e. Ewing Christian Senior Secondary School and Jain Public Senior Secondary School. 42 school children were selected through random sampling technique – 21 in control group from one school and 21 in experimental group from other school. A structured questionnaire was prepared to assess knowledge regarding oral health practices and observational checklist was prepared to assess practices regarding brushing technique.

In both control and experimental group, maximum children had average pretest knowledge (66%) regarding oral health practices and unsatisfactory pretest practices (95% and 100% respectively) regarding brushing technique. But in control group, maximum children had average posttest knowledge (52%) and unsatisfactory posttest practices (95%) whereas in experimental group, majority of children had good posttest knowledge (66%) followed by excellent posttest knowledge (29%) and satisfactory posttest practices (86%).

Structured teaching was effective and helped children in enhancing their knowledge regarding oral health practices and in improving their practices regarding brushing technique.