Participatory Action Research to Promote Oral Health among Preschool Child in Central Preventorium for Children, Nonthaburi Province
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Abstract
This study employing a participatory action research approach, aimed to develop a collaborative model for promoting oral health among preschool children. Engaging stakeholders from early childhood development environments, the study unfolded in three phases: 1) Preparation and development of a participatory oral health promotion model; 2) Detailed implementation of the developed model; and 3) Comprehensive outcome evaluation. The participant cohort comprised 18 service providers, including administrators, teachers, and dentists, alongside 87 parent-child pairs, who were the primary recipients of the oral health promotion model. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and dental examinations assessing dental plaque in children. Quantitative data analysis employed pair sample t-tests, and qualitative data underwent rigorous content analysis.
The findings indicated that the participatory oral health promotion model encompassed: 1) Enhancing the capabilities of teachers and parents in oral health; 2) Engaging in behavior modification and dispensing advice via digital platforms; 3) Optimizing the environment to encourage tooth brushing habits; and 4) Establishing a screening system for early detection of tooth decay and facilitating referrals for treatment. The evaluation outcomes, derived from observational and interview data, revealed heightened awareness and improved dental health management skills among teachers and parents. Post-intervention analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in tooth decay and dental plaque in children (p < .001).
The developed model showcases a viable strategy for addressing oral health issues in preschoolers and has the potential to serve as a scalable prototype for early childhood development programs in various settings.
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