Development of Community – based Oral Health Promotion Plans for Preschoolers

Method: An action research was used as a tool for health personnel to create community partcipation. Processes involved community assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. The study was carried out in 9 villages of Banfang district, Khonkaen province, Thailand. A three-day workshop on community assessment was set up for health personnel working in health centers. Health personnel conducted a community assessment and assessed children's oral health status. Meetings were held among community members i.e. village health volunteers (VHVs), community leaders, and children's caretakers or parents in each village. Dental caries in preschoolers, related behavior and how to prevent caries were discussed. A community –based plan was made by community members. Its main objective was to amend oral health related behaviors of caretakers and preschoolers. Activities included dental caries screening in children at home, giving oral care instruction for VHV group members and caretakers, home visit 1-2 times per month, village broadcasting and the children's oral health competition. After 7- month-implementation, an evaluation was done. Data was collected via interview and group discussion among leaders, 52 health volunteers and 65 caretakers.

Results: Findings revealed that the VHV group was a key to success in this study. Caretakers gained knowledge, having skills to prevent dental caries and satisfied with activities done by VHVs. The VHV groups in 3 villages were able to implement their plans continuously. Data collected by VHVs showed some changes in oral health related behaviors such as 44% of the total 233 children had their tooth brushed twice a day, sleeping with bottle feeding reduced by 55%, and drinking non-sweetened milk increased 18%.

Conclusion: Oral care behaviors for preschoolers could be achieved via the community –based activities initiated by community members.