ABSTRACT
Background: Community-based oral health education programs have been implemented globally to enhance dental hygiene practices among diverse populations. Such initiatives aim to address oral health disparities and promote preventive measures within communities. Despite widespread implementation, the efficacy of these programs warrants empirical evaluation to ascertain their impact on promoting dental hygiene practices.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of community-based oral health education programs in promoting dental hygiene practices among a population of 90 individuals over the study duration from October 2022 to October 2023.
Methods: The study employed a longitudinal design, encompassing pre- and post-intervention assessments. A sample of 90 participants from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds was recruited from local communities. Baseline data regarding dental hygiene practices, including brushing frequency, flossing habits, and knowledge of oral health, were collected using validated questionnaires. Subsequently, participants engaged in community-based oral health education sessions conducted by trained professionals, focusing on preventive dental care practices. Post-intervention assessments were conducted using the same measures to evaluate changes in dental hygiene practices among participants.
Results: Analysis of the data revealed significant improvements in dental hygiene practices among participants following their engagement in the community-based oral health education programs. Increases in brushing frequency, adoption of flossing habits, and enhanced knowledge of oral health were observed across the sample. Moreover, subgroup analyses indicated that participants from various demographic backgrounds demonstrated comparable improvements in dental hygiene practices, highlighting the effectiveness of the intervention in reaching diverse populations.
Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the effectiveness of community-based oral health education programs in promoting dental hygiene practices within communities. The observed improvements in brushing frequency, flossing habits, and knowledge of oral health suggest the potential of such initiatives in addressing oral health disparities and fostering preventive dental care behaviors. These results advocate for the continued implementation and support of community-based oral health education programs as integral components of public health interventions aimed at enhancing oral health outcomes.
Keywords: Community-based, Oral Health Education, Dental Hygiene Practices, Effectiveness Assessment, Preventive Care, Public Health Intervention.