Understanding the Importance of Dental and Oral Health Knowledge in Deaf Children

Oct 13, 2025 by vinooalluri.com 33 views

Relationship of Knowledge and Dental Health Behavior with Caries Status in Deaf Children in SLB Country of Medan Pembina

Understanding the Importance of Dental and Oral Health Knowledge in Deaf Children

Knowledge of dental and oral health is a crucial aspect of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental caries. In children, including deaf children, a good understanding of dental health can significantly impact their habits and behaviors in caring for their teeth and mouth. However, deaf children often face obstacles in receiving information, which can lead to poor oral health habits and a higher risk of dental caries. This study aims to investigate the relationship between dental and oral health knowledge, behavior, and caries status in deaf children in SLB Negeri Pembina Medan.

Research Methods: A Descriptive Analytic Study

This research employed a descriptive analytic approach, involving a sample of 50 deaf children. The total sampling technique was used, where all subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Data on the level of knowledge and behavior of dental and oral health, as well as caries status, were obtained through a questionnaire. To analyze the data, univariate analysis and Kruskal Wallis analysis were used.

Research Results: A Significant Relationship between Knowledge, Behavior, and Caries Status

The results of this study showed that 37% of respondents had a moderate level of dental and oral health knowledge, while 56% of respondents demonstrated good oral health behavior. Regarding caries status, 50% of respondents belonged to the very low category. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and behavior of dental and oral health (p = 0.03). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between dental and oral health knowledge and caries status (p = 0.04), as well as between dental and oral health behavior and caries status (p = 0.03). The results also highlighted that deaf children did not use social media as a source of information about dental and oral health.

Additional Analysis and Explanation: The Role of Social Media in Dental Health Education

The condition of deaf children, who face limitations in receiving information, can lead to difficulties in understanding the importance of maintaining oral health. This can result in inappropriate behavior in maintaining dental health, such as not regularly brushing teeth or consuming excessive sweet foods. Lack of knowledge can be a significant risk factor for dental caries, as demonstrated in this study through the results of the analysis. The importance of social media as a source of dental and oral health information must be a concern. Deaf children require support from the right source of information and easy-to-understand materials. Education through social media specifically designed for them can be an effective step in increasing knowledge and awareness about dental health. Therefore, further efforts must be made to increase the involvement of deaf children with relevant and easily accessible health information.

Conclusion: A Significant Relationship between Knowledge, Behavior, and Caries Status

The conclusion of this study shows a significant relationship between dental and oral health knowledge and behavior with caries status in deaf children in SLB Negeri Pembina Medan. With increasing knowledge and good behavior, it is hoped that the status of caries in deaf children can be minimized, ensuring proper dental and oral health. Efforts to increase dental and oral health education through various media, including social media, must be done to achieve better results in the healthcare of deaf children.

Recommendations for Future Research and Practice

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Development of accessible dental health education materials: Efforts should be made to develop dental health education materials that are easy to understand and accessible to deaf children.
Increased use of social media in dental health education: Social media can be an effective tool in increasing knowledge and awareness about dental health among deaf children. Efforts should be made to increase the use of social media in dental health education.
Involvement of deaf children in dental health education: Deaf children should be involved in dental health education to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed.
Collaboration between healthcare providers and deaf community: Collaboration between healthcare providers and the deaf community is essential in developing effective dental health education programs for deaf children.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that the status of caries in deaf children can be minimized, and their dental and oral health can be maintained properly.
Frequently Asked Questions: Relationship of Knowledge and Dental Health Behavior with Caries Status in Deaf Children in SLB Country of Medan Pembina

Q1: What is the significance of dental and oral health knowledge in deaf children?

A1: Dental and oral health knowledge is crucial in supporting good behavior in maintaining cleanliness and oral health. In children, including deaf children, a good understanding of dental health can significantly impact their habits and behaviors in caring for their teeth and mouth.

Q2: What are the common obstacles faced by deaf children in receiving information about dental and oral health?

A2: Deaf children often face obstacles in receiving information about dental and oral health, which can lead to poor oral health habits and a higher risk of dental caries.

Q3: What is the relationship between dental and oral health knowledge and behavior with caries status in deaf children?

A3: The results of this study showed a significant relationship between dental and oral health knowledge and behavior with caries status in deaf children. With increasing knowledge and good behavior, it is hoped that the status of caries in deaf children can be minimized.

Q4: How can social media be used in dental health education for deaf children?

A4: Social media can be an effective tool in increasing knowledge and awareness about dental health among deaf children. Efforts should be made to increase the use of social media in dental health education, and to develop accessible dental health education materials that are easy to understand and accessible to deaf children.

Q5: What are the recommendations for future research and practice based on the findings of this study?

A5: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Development of accessible dental health education materials: Efforts should be made to develop dental health education materials that are easy to understand and accessible to deaf children.
Increased use of social media in dental health education: Social media can be an effective tool in increasing knowledge and awareness about dental health among deaf children. Efforts should be made to increase the use of social media in dental health education.
Involvement of deaf children in dental health education: Deaf children should be involved in dental health education to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed.
Collaboration between healthcare providers and deaf community: Collaboration between healthcare providers and the deaf community is essential in developing effective dental health education programs for deaf children.

Q6: What are the implications of this study for healthcare providers and policymakers?

A6: The findings of this study have significant implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. They should prioritize the development of accessible dental health education materials and the use of social media in dental health education. Additionally, they should involve deaf children in dental health education and collaborate with the deaf community to develop effective dental health education programs.

Q7: What are the limitations of this study?

A7: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a descriptive analytic approach. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and provide more comprehensive insights into the relationship between dental and oral health knowledge, behavior, and caries status in deaf children.

Q8: What are the future directions for research on dental health education for deaf children?

A8: Future research should focus on developing accessible dental health education materials and increasing the use of social media in dental health education. Additionally, research should aim to involve deaf children in dental health education and collaborate with the deaf community to develop effective dental health education programs.