ABSTRACT

Context - Myth is a serious problem which is prevalent from ages. ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) play a major role in creating awareness on diverse aspects related to health among rural population in India. Aim- To assess change in knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to dental myths among ASHA workers in Mysuru district, India, following a dental health education (DHE). Materials and method: This was an interventional study conducted among ASHA workers selected at various Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Mysuru District. Two-stage cluster sampling was used for selection of study participants. All ASHA workers available in selected PHCs were considered. Assessment of their KAP related to various dental myths was assessed at baseline using a 15-item validated questionnaire. DHE was given by a qualified public health dentist using audio-visual aids. Two post intervention assessments were done, one immediately after DHE and other, one month after DHE. The change in KAP between baselineand post intervention periods was compared using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance. Results: 389 ASHA workers were included at baseline and 384 were able to complete data one month after intervention. Mean KAP score improved significantly from 8.71± 2.8 at baseline to 12.93 ± 1.9 immediately after DHE. However, the score decreased to 11.09 ± 2.1 one month after intervention. Conclusion: Although, a substantial improvement was evident in KAP scores immediately following DHE among ASHA workers, there was a decline in this score after one month of DHE indicating the need for periodic reinforcements. Keywords: Dental myths, Dental taboos, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and Dental Health Education
Publication date: 01/01/2024

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2024/January/MS_IJBPAS_2024_7714.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2024/13.1.7714