Pilot study to determine prevalence of oral disorders among schoolchildren and their oral health care knowledge in Metsavan village, Lori Marz

Abstract

Caries is known to be the most frequent chronic disease among children worldwide. Children who suffer from oral disorders (i.e. caries, gum diseases, periodontal diseases, etc.), are more affected by malnutrition and other health problems as well. In Armenia, the magnitude of dental care problems among school age children has not been accurately assessed and comprehensive regional prevention activities have not been initiated. Although there are several programs implemented by the Armenian Dental Society of California and by the student council of Yerevan State Medical University that seek to improve oral health of vulnerable populations in Armenia, these programs are mainly dedicated to treatment of caries. Educational programs and preventive measures are still lacking in Armenia. The proposed program seeks to determine the prevalence of oral disorders via basic dental screening among approximately 1,100-1,200 school children living in rural areas such as Metsavan village of Lori Marz. The program is intended to assess dental care awareness among children and to educate them about appropriate dental care. The pilot study will take approximately three months from initiation/planning to final report. Four dentists and four nurses will be resonsible for interviewing children (complete a questionnaire about dental care); conduct a basic screening for dental problems; assess dental needs; and carry out the educational part of the program. Staff will enter, clean, and analyze the data, and prepare the final report containing a detailed descriptive summary with recommendations. In addition to screening, specialists will identify those children who require further diagnostics, treatments, and surgical intervention, and will provide a written recommendation for further treatment. During the field visits, the educational component of the program will be conducted in the classrooms. Education will be carried out by distributing booklets and conducting dental care related lectures. Toothpaste and brushes will be distributed to the children at the end of the screening in the schools. The budget for the pilot study is $8,071.20. The administrative staff will contribute in-kind working time to the project during preparatory, training and data management/analysis phases of the project. Total in-kind contribution is equivalent to $1,164.80.