Initial Impact of an Educational Program Programme for the Orphans in Erbil City

Authors: Bushra Rashid¹ & Zainab Yalman Othman^2
1Paedodontic Department, Dentistry Faculty, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
²Paedodontic Department, Dentistry Faculty, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq

Abstract:Purpose: This study aimed to assess the state of the orphans’ oral health living in Erbil orphanage; their oral health knowledge, attitude and practice; and the improvements in oral healthcare after the provision of oral health education.
Materials and Methods: The study included orphans aged 6–15 years living in Erbil orphanage in Iraq. As a baseline visit (A), the oral hygiene status of all participating orphans was evaluated using the oral hygiene index–simplified (OHI-S). To evaluate the orphans’ oral health knowledge, attitude and practice, the orphans completed an oral hygiene questionnaire. Dental caries prevalence was assessed using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT and dmft index). An educational programme was provided which included demonstrations and descriptions of dental health indications and how to carry out oral hygiene procedures. After two months, follow-up visit (B) performed to assess the OHI-S, and the same oral hygiene questionnaire that was used in the baseline visit was also completed by the orphans.
Results: Between visits A and B, no significant differences were found in oral health knowledge (visit A = 7.321 ± 2.204 and visit B = 7.714 ± 1.749) or attitude (4.357 ± 2.930 and 4.553 ± 2.992). A significant difference was found in oral health practice (5.15 ± 1.89 and 6.3 ± 1.69). Dental caries prevalence was 65% in the primary teeth and 73% in the permanent teeth.
Conclusion: The orphans and caregivers need training in how to maintain oral hygiene. Dental health professionals should provide oral health education and regular screening camps for these children.

Keywords: Dental Caries, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Oral Health Practice, Oral Health Education

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Doi: 10.23918/eajse.v8i1p180

Published: June 26, 2022

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