The effect of education on healthcare workers’ knowledge of oro-dental health in a group of Iranian rural children

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Oro-dental health is one of the most important factors affecting children's health. Healthcare workers’ knowledge is one of the most important factors for oro-dental health services. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the effect of education on healthcare workers’ knowledge of oro-dental health. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted in the rural regions located in south-eastern Iran in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. ۱۲۰ healthcare workers were selected by a convenience sampling method based on Morgan's table and were randomly divided into experimental (n = ۶۰) and control groups (n = ۶۰). First, both groups completed the questionnaire; then, intervention was conducted for the experimental group in ten ۲-hour sessions over ۵ weeks. Finally, both groups completed the questionnaire one week after the education. RESULTS: In the pre-test, the mean scores of the healthcare workers about overall knowledge in the intervention (۱۲.۵۰ ± ۵.۰۷) and control (۱۲.۴۶ ± ۴.۷۱) groups had no significant difference (P = ۰.۴۲); whereas, in the post-test, the mean scores of overall knowledge in the intervention (۱۴.۲۳ ± ۲.۷۷) and control (۱۲.۶۱ ± ۴.۸۴) groups showed a statistically significant difference (P < ۰.۰۱). Results of study showed significant differences between the two groups in dimensions of the dental knowledge, oro-dental health principles, and how to provide oro-dental care (P < ۰.۰۱). CONCLUSION: Given the importance of preventive oro-dental care in children, it is recommended that health education programs in the field of oro-dental health be designed and implemented within the framework of the educational model.

Keywords:

Education , Training Program , Healthcare Workers , Knowledge , Oral Health , children