Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Barriers toward oral Health among Teachers and Caregivers of Children with Special Health Care Needs in Bareilly

Abstract

Introduction: Special care dentistry aims at management and prevention of orodental diseases in disabled children. Due to physical or mental impairments, they spend most of their time in rehabilitation centers or special schools. Their teachers and caretakers play key roles in their lives. Therefore, it is crucial that their own knowledge, attitude, and practices toward oral health are satisfactory.

 Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers toward oral health among teachers and caregivers of children with special health-care needs. 

Methodology: A closed ended questionnaire consisting of 35 questions based on demographic information, knowledge, attitude, practices, and barriers toward oral health was formulated and asked to be filled by 52 special school teachers and caretakers from special schools and rehabilitation centers of Bareilly. The data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: Maximum participants were females. Majority of them were special educators. The knowledge related to oral health-related topics was found good among participants. Practices and attitude were unsatisfactory toward oral health. Majority of participant believed inadequacy of information related to oral health in curriculum is the chief barrier toward not seeking oral health. Conclusion: A huge change in oral health-related knowledge and practices in the society can be brought up by periodic reevaluation and reinforcement. To tackle the barriers, a preventive approach should be taken.

Key words: Caretakers, children with special health care needs, rehabilitation centres, Special school, teachers