The Effectiveness of an Oral Health Promotion Program on the Level of Oral Health Literacy and Oral Health Care Behaviors Among Older Adults
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Abstract
Background: Oral health problems among older adults remain a significant issue but can be prevented through appropriate oral health care behaviors.
Objectives: To examine the effects of an oral health promotion program on oral health literacy and oral health care behaviors among older adults.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted among 70 older adults aged 60-69 years in Health Region 6. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n=35) and a comparison group (n=35). The experimental group participated in a 12-week program consisting of six learning activities, while the comparison group received standard services. Data were collected at three time points: before the intervention, after the intervention, and at a four-week follow-up. Research instruments included an oral health literacy assessment and an oral health care behavior questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: After participating in the program, the experimental group showed significantly higher oral health literacy and better oral health care behaviors compared to their pre-intervention scores and those of the comparison group (p<0.05). Moreover, the improvements in oral health literacy and behaviors were sustained at the four-week follow-up.
Conclusions: The oral health promotion program effectively improved oral health literacy and oral health care behaviors among older adults. Therefore, relevant medical agencies should implement similar programs to promote oral health and reduce oral health problems in the elderly population.
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บทความที่ได้รับการตีพิมพ์เป็นลิขสิทธิ์ของวิทยาลัยพยาบาลบรมราชชนนี จังหวัดนนทบุรี
ข้อความที่ปรากฏในบทความแต่ละเรื่องในวารสารวิชาการเล่มนี้เป็นความคิดเห็นส่วนตัวของผู้เขียนแต่ละท่านไม่เกี่ยวข้องกับวิทยาลัยพยาบาลบรมราชชนนี จังหวัดนนทบุรี และคณาจารย์ท่านอื่น ในวิทยาลัยฯ แต่อย่างใด ความรับผิดชอบองค์ประกอบทั้งหมดของบทความแต่ละเรื่องเป็นของผู้เขียนแต่ละท่าน หากมีความผิดพลาดใด ๆ ผู้เขียนแต่ละท่านจะรับผิดชอบบทความของตนเองแต่ผู้เดียว
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