Effectiveness of a Comprehensive School-Based Oral Health Intervention Program on Periodontal Disease Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Background: Periodontitis is a prevalent oral health issue in rural India, contributing to tooth loss and systemic health complications. School-based oral health education programs offer a promising prevention and early intervention strategy. Objective: To assess the impact of a comprehensive school...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_992_24 |
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| Summary: | Background:
Periodontitis is a prevalent oral health issue in rural India, contributing to tooth loss and systemic health complications. School-based oral health education programs offer a promising prevention and early intervention strategy.
Objective:
To assess the impact of a comprehensive school-based oral health program on periodontal disease prevalence and severity among school-aged children in rural Bhopal.
Materials and Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 5000 children (10-15 years) in rural Bhopal. The intervention group received a 6-month program comprising oral hygiene instruction, dietary counseling, information on periodontitis, and facilitated dental checkups. The control group received no additional oral health education. Pre- and post-test assessments included clinical examinations (Community Periodontal Index, Gingival Index, Plaque Index) and oral health knowledge and practices questionnaire.
Results:
After six months, the intervention group showed significant reductions in periodontal indices (CPI: −0.45, P < 0.001; GI: −0.30, P < 0.001) and plaque levels (PI: −0.65, P < 0.001) compared to the control group. They also demonstrated significant improvements in oral health knowledge (P < 0.001) and reported oral hygiene practices (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
A comprehensive school-based oral health education program is efficacious in improving periodontal health, knowledge, and practices among rural Indian children. The program’s success supports its potential for broader implementation as a sustainable and cost-effective public health intervention in similar settings. |
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| ISSN: | 0976-4879 0975-7406 |