The effects of godmother capacity development program on dental health promotion for children 0-3 years in Pathum Sub-district, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a capacity development program for godmothers in promoting dental health among children aged 0-3 years in Pathum Sub-district, Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. A total of 64 village public health volunteers participated in the study, with 32 assigned to the experimental group and 32 to the comparison group. Participants were selected through purposive random sampling. The experimental group participated a 12-week capacity development program focused on promoting dental health for children aged 0-3 years, comprising seven distinct activities and grounded in human resource development theory. In contrast, the comparison group received training based on the standard annual dental health program. Data collection was conducted from January to May 2024, using a questionnaire to assess participants' knowledge of dental care for children aged 0-3 years and their skills in providing oral health care. Statistical analysis involved an independent t-test to compare post-intervention outcomes between the experimental and comparison groups, and a paired-sample t-test to assess changes within each group. The results revealed that, after the intervention, the mean score for dental care knowledge in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the comparison group (Mean diff. = 3.125, 95% CI = 2.030-4.220, p < 0.05). Similarly, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in dental healthcare skills compared to the comparison group (Mean diff. = 11.844, 95% CI = 11.170–12.518, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the capacity development program for godmothers is an effective strategy for enhancing the dental health knowledge and skills of public health volunteers, thereby contributing to improved oral health care for children aged 0-3 years in the community. Moreover, the program could serve as a model for planning referral systems for children with dental health issues.