Evaluation of Oral Health Promotion and Service Delivery Project in Primary Schools, Bangkrathum District, Phitsanulok Province, Education Years 2014-2016

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to evaluate oral health promotion and service delivery project using Oral Health Promotion Evaluation Outcome Model as a framework of evaluation. Data collection was performed from all of 34 primary schools in Bangkrathum district. Samples of the study consisted of 2,341, 2,144 and 2,256 grade 1-6 students in academic year 2014-2016, respectively. The study results in terms of health and social outcomes showed that the prevalence of dental caries in children aged 12 years old was relatively constant at 49.7, 49.0 and 50.9 percent; while DMFT showed a decreasing trend at 1.6±2.4, 1.4±2.0 and 1.3±1.8 teeth per person. Intermediate health outcomes showed that most students participated in daily after-lunch tooth brushing activity at the percentage of 81.9, 80.8 and 79.4. Systematic dental service was arranged for students with permanent teeth carious lesion, resulting in increased percentage of those who received the services at 74.5, 92.2 and 99.0 percent. On the other hand, sugary snacks and drinks were still exist in most schools. Proportions of schools with dietary control were only 6.1, 9.4 and 9.1 percent. Health promotion outcome showed that most of students’ brushing aids supported by parents showed an increasing trend at 91.6, 91.9 and 95.0 percent. Every school in this study showed daily after-lunch tooth brushing campaign. In health promotion actions, there was an annual meeting arranged for health teachers to share experiences and paid honor to the schools which performed outstanding activities in oral health promotion practice. All students were also trained in oral health care once a year. Most of indicators exhibited the achievement of the project’s goal.