The outcomes of the oral health promotion program implemented in the School for the Elderly in Thawatburi District, Roi Et Province

Abstract

Purposes : This quasi-experimental research investigates the efficacy of dental health promotion programs in enhancing oral health literacy and oral care behavior among elderly individuals at the School for the Elderly in Thawatburi District, Roi Et Province.

Study designs : The study comprises two groups: an experimental group of 40 elderly individuals from the School for the Elderly in Ma Eu Subdistrict, and a control group of 40 seniors from the School for the Elderly in Thawatburi Subdistrict. Data collection took place from February to May 2022.

Material and Methods : Bynutilizing interviews to gather personal and general characteristics, oral health care behavior, and microbial plaque records. The T-test served as the primary statistical analysis tool.

Main findings : A dental promotion program was implemented with the experimental group, selected through specific randomization for individuals aged 60-74 years. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, mean, percentage, and standard deviation) and correlation tests using Chi-square. The study revealed that a majority of the elderly participants in the group receiving dental health programs exhibited post-meal tooth brushing without bleeding. They also reported regular annual visits to dentists or dental health officers. Mild limestone and microbial plaque were notably lower than in the control group which is used to be index of measuring the efficiency of oral health care and best prevent oral disease. The experimental group had average score on oral health care behaviors knowledge better than the control group.

Conclusion and recommendations : The findings indicate that dental health programs significantly influence oral health literacy and can serve as effective monitoring tools for elderly oral health. These programs enhance skills, leading to positive changes in oral health care behaviors among the elderly and promoting a proactive approach to maintaining their oral health.