Effectiveness of a Learning Package on Oral Hygiene Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among School-Aged Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Dental caries and periodontal diseases remain among the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting children globally. School-aged children represent a critical target population for oral health interventions as they develop autonomy over health behaviors during the transition from primary to permanent dentition.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a structured learning package on oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among school-aged children in Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was employed with 320 children aged 6-13 years, equally divided into experimental (n=160) and control (n=160) groups with rural-urban representation. Data were collected using a validated structured interview schedule covering Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) domains. The experimental group received a comprehensive learning package through interactive teaching sessions with visual aids and demonstrations. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.

Results: No significant baseline differences existed between groups (p>0.05). Post-intervention, the experimental group showed significantly higher scores than controls: knowledge (61.8±5.1 vs. 35.6±6.2), practice (76.2±4.3 vs. 31.4±7.5), and attitude (41.5±4.8 vs. 24.1±5.6), all p<0.001. The experimental group demonstrated mean improvements of +29.7 in knowledge, +39.2 in practice, and +16.5 in attitude (all p<0.001).

Conclusion: The structured learning package significantly improved oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among school-aged children. Integration of evidence-based educational interventions into school curricula could substantially reduce preventable dental diseases.