Abstract
Introduction: Children with disabilities often experience poorer dental health than their typical peers. There is a need for preventive, promotive and treatment programmes to address the oral health disparities faced by children with special needs. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive health programme on the knowledge of brushing technique among caregivers and the oral health status of children with disabilities.
Methods: A quantitative approach with a control-group pretest-post-test design was adopted. From July 2023 to September 2023, the study was conducted at Chethana Special School and Spoorti Special School, Karnataka, and caregivers of special children were included. Twenty caregivers were randomly allotted to each of the intervention and control groups. Data were gathered using a demographic Proforma, a structured checklist on brushing technique, and the WHO Oral Health Status Questionnaire 2013. Data were analysed using Jamovi 2.6.26.0 Version.
Results: The present study found that, after the intervention, knowledge of brushing technique among caregivers was significantly higher in the experimental group (P<0.001). Oral health status, including oral health behaviours and dietary habits, showed significant changes (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Consistent educational support contributed to greater caregiver involvement and enhanced oral hygiene practices.
Conclusion: The low pretest knowledge and oral health status scores indicate a lack of awareness regarding dental hygiene practices. Continuous caregiver-oriented oral health education programs, along with visual teaching materials and reinforcement sessions, may help improve long-term oral hygiene practices.