THE ROLE OF HEALTH EDUCATION IN SOME PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL COMMUNITIES OF IAŞI

Authors: Carina BALCOŞ, Adriana BĂLAN, Carmen SAVIN, Laura GAVRILĂ, Eugeniu MIHALAŞ, Aris PRISECARIU-RADOS, Ana PETCU (SÎRGHE)

Abstract:

Introduction.Oral diseases are associated with sanogenic behavior, the prevalence of tooth decay and periodontal disease having decreased with reduced sweets consumption due to a more intense dental education performed by various methods. Materials and methods. The study was attended by 100 children from 4 primary schools in Iasi. Information was collected through a questionnaire which included: the general data of the child, the level of education and the socio-economic status, the frequency of visits to the dentist in the last year, the reasons for the presentation to the dentist, the type of treatment, knowledge and attitudes regarding oral health, the frequency of dental brushing, the consumption of foods with cariogenic potential, knowledge of the causes of dental decay and ways of preventing oral affections. The subjects were divided into two groups, as follows: group I – 50 children whose education was done with written materials; group II – 50 children whose education was realized through a PowerPoint presentation, practical demonstrations and animation films. One month after the demonstrations, the students completed the same questionnaire on oral health behavior, knowledge and attitudes. Statistical analysis of data was performed using the SPSS 14.0 software. Results and discussion. 64 subjects (64%) were females/girls and 36 subjects (36%) were males/boys. The average age of subjects was 8.66 ± 1.934 years. In group I, where education was achieved only through printed materials, an improvement in the level of knowledge was recorded, the differences being statistically significant for the question about the use of dental floss and the cariogenic diet. In group II, the values obtained in the final evaluation were better than in the initial assessment, and higher than in group I. An increase in the level of knowledge, the children responding better than in the initial phase, and statistically significant differences for 3 of the 5 questions, were registred for questions about the factors that cause dental decay. Conclusions. The level of sanogenic knowledge and attitudes of the schoolchildren is good. The most effective method of transmitting the educational message is represented by power point presentation in combination with practical demonstrations.

Keywords:
  • children
  • DENTAL EDUCATION
  • methods of health education.