Design, implementation, and evaluation of a PRECEDE-PROCEED model-based intervention for oral and dental health among primary school students of Rafsanjan city: a mixed method study

BACKGROUND: Oral and dental health has a significant impact on public health as well as the quality of life among individuals and families. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate an intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for oral and dental health among primary school students in Rafsanjan city, Southern Iran. METHODS: According to the nature of the model and with the focus group discussion and interview methods, in phases 1 to 4 (PRECEDE), predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors related to oral health were identified. The training program was designed and consisted of six sessions for students (250 students) with a brushing session, three sessions for parents, and two sessions for teachers. Process evaluation and the effect of the program on behavioral and factors affecting oral health were evaluated (PROCEED). RESULTS: In the qualitative section, seven predisposing factors, five enabling factors, and two reinforcing factors were identified. A training program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model was found to be effective in increasing the mean scores of the above constructs and the students’ brushing behavior (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the model planning phases, the factors affecting the brushing behavior of children aged 6–12 years were identified. The educational program has had a significant effect on improving the scores of predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors and children’s brushing behavior. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11585-z.