A health education program for Brazilian public schoolchildren: the effects on dental health practice and oral health awareness.
OBJECTIVE
Determine the impact of an oral health education program on oral hygiene and the awareness level of elementary schoolchildren.


METHODS
A total sample of 247 schoolchildren between the ages of 7 and 15 years from the public school system of Parnamirim, Brazil, were selected and randomly allocated to a control (n=115) and experimental (n=132) group. Sociodemographic data were recorded and a clinical examination was given to establish the decayed, missing and filled surfaces index (DMFS) and the dmfs index. The visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were collected before and after the intervention. A closed-question questionnaire was applied to the schoolchildren before and after intervention to determine their knowledge of oral health. The experimental group took part in oral health education activities over a 4-month period.


RESULTS
The VPI (P = 0.014; CI 0.24-0.86) and GBI (P = 0.013; CI 0.28-0.87) of the experimental group were significantly lower after educational activities. Similarly, the experimental group also obtained a higher number of correct answers on the questionnaire (P < 0.0001; CI 3.73-26.81). However, there was no association between oral hygiene indicators, VPI (P = 0.311; CI 0.23-1.60), and GBI (P = 0.927; CI 0.43-2.16), and the information level of the schoolchildren.


CONCLUSIONS
Contextualized educational activities in the school routine had positive effects on oral hygiene and the level of information about oral health, although the more informed individuals did not always practice better oral hygiene.
de Farias
Irlane Alves
IA
Federal University of Rio Grande of North, Brazil.
de Araújo Souza
Georgia Costa
GC
Ferreira
Maria Angela Fernandes
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D004245:DMF Index; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D010512:Periodontal Index; D012571:School Dentistry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires