Effectiveness of Two Dental Educational Programs on the Oral Hygiene Status Among a Group of Visually Impaired Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Dentist at Ministry of health

2 Assisstant professor, Pedodontics and Oral Health Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

3 Lecturer, Pedodontics and Oral Health Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of Audio and Audio-Tactile Performance (ATP) educational programs on oral hygiene status among a group of visually impaired children by Oral Hygiene Index Simplified(OHI-S) and assess the effectiveness of this programs in improving their oral hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) and their satisfaction toward oral health via questionnaire before and after the programs. Subjects and methods: A total of 86 visually impaired children ranging from (6-12) years were divided into two groups. (Group I):45 children who received the Audio method educational program. (Group II):41 children who received the Audio Tactile Performance method. The oral hygiene status was assessed for both groups by Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S) at baseline and at two follow up examination after three months and six months. Questionnaires were taken at the baseline and at the end of the study to assess their oral hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) and their satisfaction toward oral health. Results: No statistically significant difference in OHI-S scores between the two groups after 3 months from the beginning of the educational programs. A statistically significant difference in OHI-S scores between the two groups after 6 months from the beginning of the educational programs. A significant improvement in participant knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) and their satisfaction toward the oral health in both groups after the educational programs. Conclusion: Children with visual impairment could maintain accepted degree of oral hygiene, when taught by special customized techniques. Also for maintenance of oral hygiene practices, a regular reinforcement is required.

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