Chakkrit Ponrachom. Observational learning by modeling on dental health care behaviors among primary school students in Khoksrisupan district, Sakonnakhon province . Master's Degree(Health Education and Behavioral Sciences). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2007.
Observational learning by modeling on dental health care behaviors among primary school students in Khoksrisupan district, Sakonnakhon province
Abstract:
Dental caries and gingivitis in primary school students remains a major dental
health problem in Thailand. It is necessary to carry out dental health measures for establishing
good oral hygiene practice in primary school students to reduce the incidence of dental caries
and gingivitis.
This study was a quasi–experimental research aimed to study the effectiveness of a
dental health education program applying social cognitive theory on the concept of
observational learning by modeling for dental health care behaviors of primary school
students in grade six. The study sample was comprised of 84 students from Khoksrisuphan
district, Sakonnakhon province. There were 42 students in both experimental group and
comparison group. The experimental group received dental health education. Data was
collected through self–administered questionnaires, the dental plaque record form and a
practice skill assessment form. Statistical analysis was done by using percentage, mean,
standard deviation, paired sample t-test and independent t-test
The results of the study revealed that after the experiment, the experimental group’s
knowledge, attitudes toward dental health care and dental health practice was statistically and
significantly increased. The mean score of dental plaque was statistically and significantly
decreased. These results show that the observational learning by modeling was effective in
developing knowledge, attitude toward dental health care, dental health practice and dental
plaque in primary school students to dental health care behaviors.