Resumo

GUMEDE, S; SINGH, S  e  RADEBE, M. Educators and caregivers' oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices in special education schools in the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2024, vol.79, n.5, pp.246-252. ISSN 0375-1562.  https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v79i05.17144.

INTRODUCTION: Disability often leaves individuals reliant on caregivers for care and oral hygiene, particularly the young, severely impaired and institutionalised. However, these caregivers may lack adequate knowledge on oral hygiene and proper diet, leading to unhealthy eating habits or cariogenic snacks and increasing the risk of oral diseases throughout their lifetime. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To ascertain educators' and caregivers' oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices within the identified special schools, by means of a self-administered questionnaire. DESIGN: A cross-sectional KAP survey design. METHODS: This study was conducted in 22 out of 33 special schools located in eThekwini district which consented to participate in the study. On average, each of the 22 special schools had about 40 educators and caregivers combined. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Twenty questionnaires - which is 50% of the targeted population - were sent out to each school, and participation was voluntary. Ultimately, 440 questionnaires (20 questionnaires per school) were sent out. RESULTS: Only 312 of the 440 questionnaires were completed, yielding a response rate of 70.90%. Just over half of the study participants (n=161; 51.6%) believed that brushing twice daily and rinsing with mouthwash is the most important dental self-care practice. Only 46.8% of participants believed that sugar consumption contributes to tooth decay due to bacteria turning sugar into acid. Most respondents (n=205; 65.7%) strongly agreed that brushing and flossing their teeth reduces tooth decay risk, with 221 participants (70.8%) believing they have a responsibility to prevent tooth loss. However, 51.3% of study participants disagreed with the statement that dentures are less troublesome than taking care of natural teeth. About 83.1% of participants brushed their teeth twice daily, with 61.54% brushing for 2-3 minutes. Furthermore, 71.8% of participants used medium bristles and 47.76% replaced their toothbrush every 1-3 months. Most participants agreed that visiting a dentist is necessary, with a small percentage (2.24%) having never visited before. The majority of participants (85.6%) stated that their oral health practices, attitudes and knowledge could influence how oral health education is given to school students. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed some inconsistencies in the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the educators and caregivers. Oral health awareness among these individuals is essential and should be done on a regular basis.

Palavras-chave : Oral health; caregivers; educators; attitudes; practices; knowledge.

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