Effectiveness of a School Oral Health Education
Program in Yangon, Myanmar
Volume 4 - Issue 1
Zar Chi Kyaw Myint1,2, Takashi Zaitsu1*, Akiko Oshiro1, Ko Ko Soe2 and Yoko Kawaguchi1
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- 1Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- 2Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, University of Dental Medicine (Yangon), Yangon, Myanmar
*Corresponding author:
Takashi Zaitsu, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental
University, Japan
Received: April 14, 2020; Published: June 05, 2020
DOI: 10.32474/IPDOAJ.2020.04.000180
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Abstract
Aim: We evaluated the effectiveness of oral health education in terms of oral health literacy, knowledge, behaviors, and oral
health status among middle school students in Yangon, Myanmar.
Materials and methods: This 1-year study enrolled 10- to 11-year-old students. At baseline, a dentist provided health education
to group A (n=247), and peer group leaders reinforced it. Group B (n=195) received no education program. After 6 months, the
dentist provided education to both groups, and classroom teachers reinforced it. Both groups received questionnaire surveys and
oral examinations at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year.
Results: There were no between-group differences at baseline. After 6 months, group A showed significant improvements in
oral health literacy, knowledge, and behavior as well as reduction in dental plaque, gingivitis, and plaque bacterial levels. Group B
only showed improved brushing and mouth rinsing behaviors. After 1 year, all items were significantly improved in both groups,
although sweet snack/drink consumption behaviors remained unchanged and dental caries increased. At 1 year, group differences
were not significant.
Conclusion: Oral health education is effective in improving oral hygiene, decreasing gingivitis, and reducing plaque bacteria
levels by improving oral health literacy, knowledge, and behaviors. However, eating behaviors and dental caries were difficult to
change within 1 year
Keywords:School oral health; Oral health education; Middle school
Abbreviations: HPS: Health-Promoting School; OHLI: Oral Health Literacy Instrument; CMOHK: Comprehensive Measurement of
Oral Health Knowledge; OHBs: Oral Health Behaviors; DT: Decayed Teeth; FT: Filled Teeth;
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