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Long-term effect of an oral hygiene training program on knowledge and reported behavior
Marcia Pinto Alves Mayer1, Yvonne de Paiva Buischi, Luciene Bosco de Oliveira
1Dept Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil.
Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry
|January 13, 2005
Summary
A 5-year follow-up study on oral health programs for teenagers found that while knowledge improved, behavior did not significantly differ between groups. This suggests factors beyond educational programs influence long-term oral health habits.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Dental Hygiene
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent oral health education is crucial for establishing lifelong habits.
- Long-term effectiveness of preventive dental programs requires evaluation beyond immediate outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the 5-year impact of comprehensive versus less comprehensive preventive oral health programs on adolescent knowledge and behavior.
- To determine if initial program effects on oral health knowledge and behavior persist into early adulthood.
Main Methods:
- 186 Brazilian schoolchildren (13-16 years) were randomized into comprehensive, less comprehensive, or control groups for a 3-year program.
- Oral health knowledge and reported behavior were assessed immediately post-program and via telephone interview 5 years later.
Main Results:
- Both programs improved oral health knowledge and behavior initially, with the comprehensive program showing superior results.
- Five years post-program, significant knowledge differences persisted, but reported behavior was similar across groups.
- While daily flossing increased and sugar consumption decreased in all groups, the correlation between knowledge and behavior weakened over time.
Conclusions:
- Factors beyond formal education significantly influence long-term oral health behaviors.
- Positive oral health behaviors in early adulthood may be attainable without specific, intensive teenage programs.