Effectiveness of an Oral Health Promotion Program for the Elderly in Khiri Mat District, Sukhothai Province: A Randomized Control Trial

OBJECTIVES: Oral disease is one of the most common health problems among the elderly, which impacts the quality of life. Applying the Health Belief Model (HBM) in oral health promotion is expected to improve the effectiveness of prevention and promotion that restricts oral health problems. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of an oral health promotion program on oral health behavior and oral status among the elderly in Khiri Mat, Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized control trial was carried out among 162 elderly people for 6 months. They were interviewed to gather oral health behaviors and perception information, followed by an oral health examination. The experimental group received oral health education based on the HBM theory and tooth brushing practice in a small group of 4–5 persons, and then they were remotivated to support behavior change at 1 and 3 months. The control group received traditional oral health activity. All the elderly were followed up at 6 months. Data were analyzed using the t-test, Mann–Whitney test, Chi-square, and logistic regression. RESULTS: The elderly in the experimental group had significantly higher oral health perception, lower plaque scores, lower gingival inflammation, and lower clinical attachment loss than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This oral health promotion program improved oral health perception, behavior, and oral health status of the elderly.