Evaluation of peer role models as oral health education providers among school children in Mysuru, Karnataka, India

BACKGROUND: India lacks organized school oral health programs, resulting in limited access to oral health care among children. The peer role models, or teachers, may help in bridging the gap to enhance knowledge on self-care preventive practices. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of dental health education (DHE) offered by qualified dental professional, trained teachers, and peer role models in promoting oral hygiene status and behavior among school-going children in Mysuru, Karnataka. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an interventional study conducted over a period of 3 months in an academic year in three selected schools in Mysuru City, India. A total of 120 students were divided into three groups – group 1 were given DHE (dental health education) by a dental professional, group 2 were given DHE by a trained teacher, and group 3 were given DHE by peer role models. Oral health knowledge was assessed using a close-ended questionnaire, plaque levels were assessed using Turesky Gilmore Glickman modification of Quigley Hein plaque index, and gingival status was assessed using Loe and Sillness gingival index. After 3 months, the same index and questionnaire were used post intervention. RESULTS: The mean scores for knowledge on dental caries at baseline in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 3.75 ± 1.25, 3.65 ± 1.07, and 3.40 ± 1.17, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups, which changed to 4.43 ± 1.27, 3.37 ± 1.14, and 4.93 ± 0.99, respectively, following intervention. Similar results were observed with regard to knowledge on gingival and periodontal diseases. The mean plaque scores at baseline for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 4.17 ± 0.30, 3.24 ± 0.70, and 4.10 ± 0.31, respectively, which changed to 3.85 ± 0.32, 3.90 ± 0.39, and 3.69 ± 0.34, respectively, in three groups following intervention. Post intervention, plaque scores and gingival scores significantly improved in groups 1 and 3 but worsened in group 2. Overall, knowledge scores improved in groups 1 and 3 for some questions, but improvement was not noted in some questions. CONCLUSION: Under the limitations of the study, it was found that peer role models were as effective as dental professionals in providing DHE in schools.