KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF ORAL HEALTH CARE AMONG ANGANWADI WORKERS IN A COMMUNITY BLOCK PANCHAYATH IN KERALA

Context: In India, about 2 million Anganwadi workers (AWWs) reach out to a population of 70 million women and children. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a major health concern worldwide. AWWs have better accessibility than dental health professionals in reaching out to the rural population to combat ECC.

Aims: The study was designed to assess the knowledge and practice of oral healthcare among Anganwadi workers (AWWs) of a community block panchayath and to identify its determinants.

Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study design.

Methods and Material: A self-administered questionnaire was given to 145 AWWs on the day of their monthly meeting and the filled forms were collected back on the same day.

Statistical analysis used: Kruskal Wallis test, Spearman R correlation test.

Results: The mean knowledge and practice scores were found to be 9.51±2.29 and 4.99+ 1.01 respectively. The AWWs had moderate knowledge (53.10%) and good practice (73.8%) in oral healthcare.

Conclusions: The Anganwadi workers had moderate knowledge and good practice in oral healthcare, but few deficiencies were identified and recommendations given.