Coloring sheets for oral health education on prevention of dental caries in children: Development and evaluation

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is a globally prevalent disease among children. Many preventive measures are effective, one among them being oral health education (OHE). OHE using activity-based techniques has been found useful for children. Aim: This study aims to develop and evaluate the coloring sheets (CSs) for educating children on the prevention of dental caries. Subjects and Methods: Activity sheets already existent in the literature were reviewed and content validation using the Lawshe method was applied. In addition, the design, cultural acceptability and suitability of use of the CS were assessed. The resultant CS was applied to 411 7–8-year-old children in their classrooms. The responses were compiled and proportion of correct responses for each item were calculated. Results: Ten items that were protective and harmful to teeth were unanimously accepted by the panelists. It was decided to use a happy or a sad tooth to indicate the choice of the child. A nonglossy paper with white background suitable for coloring with a crayon was used. A revised CS was finalized on the A4-sized sheet. The mean score for correct responses was 9.61 ± 0.54. Compared to other items, milk was scored incorrectly by significantly higher proportion of children. Conclusion: The CS can be used to educate children on the prevention of dental caries.

Keywords

• active learning
• children
• dental caries
• dental health education