An assessment of the effectiveness of oral health education on oral health-related knowledge and attitudes of caregivers of children with hearing impairment.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of oral health education on oral health-related knowledge and attitudes of caregivers of children with hearing impairment and its impact on the oral health status of their children.

Materials: Study design: Non randomised pre- and post-comparison study. Fifty-six pairs of caregiver-child with sensory impairment were chosen and divided into study and control groups. Health education was provided to the caregivers of the study group for 1, 3, 6 and 12-month period and periodic assessment of their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) was performed. The caregivers of the control group did not receive any oral health education during the study period. The oral health status of these children was evaluated using the WHO assessment form (2013) and modified OHI-S (oral hygiene index- simplified) at baseline, 6 month and 12-month period. The effectiveness of KAP of caregivers and the oral health status of their children was correlated at the end of the study.

Statistical Analysis: The mean KAP scores between caregivers' of study and control group at different time intervals was compared using repeated measures of ANOVA test. Chi square test was used to compare the presence of bleeding gums and Mann Whitney U Test was used to compare the mean DMFT, deft and OHIs scores at different time intervals between study and control groups. Pearson correlation test was used to assess the relationship between KAP scores and clinical parameters at different time intervals in study and control group of both the populations.

Conclusion: The oral health education given to the caregivers has shown a positive impact on the oral health status of their children. Periodic reinforcement of the oral health-related measures among caregivers of children with hearing impairment is recommended.