Improving Preventive Behavior

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The Influence of Health Behavior on Dental Caries Events in UKGS Assisted Elementary School Students in Medan Tuntung District, Medan City in 2012

Introduction

Dental caries is a significant public health concern, particularly among children. In Medan Tuntung District, Medan City, the incidence of dental caries in elementary school students assisted by UKGS (School Dental Health Efforts) reached 61.43% in 2011. This alarming rate highlights the need for effective dental health education to change children's behavior. A study was conducted in 2012 to investigate the relationship between health behavior and dental caries events among elementary school students in Medan Tuntung.

Background

Dental caries is a preventable disease that affects millions of children worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 60-90% of school-age children experience dental caries. In Indonesia, dental caries is a significant public health concern, particularly among children. The high incidence of dental caries in Medan Tuntung District is a cause for concern, as it indicates the lack of effectiveness of dental health education in changing children's behavior.

Methodology

The study involved 454 students in grade IV and V from two UKGS-assisted elementary schools in Medan Tuntung. The research method used was an analytical survey with a cross-sectional approach. The research sample was chosen using purposive sampling, with a total of 148 students. Data was collected through a questionnaire and dental examination, and analyzed using double logistics regression at α = 5%.

Results

The results of the study showed that there was a significant influence between healthy behavior factors and painful role behavior on dental caries events. However, the pain factor did not show a significant effect on dental caries. This suggests that although children may be aware of their pain conditions, it does not necessarily have an impact on changes in behavior that can prevent dental caries.

Discussion

The study highlights the importance of health behavior in preventing dental caries. The results suggest that children who engage in healthy behavior, such as regularly brushing teeth, limiting the consumption of sweet foods and drinks, and regularly conducting dental examinations, are less likely to experience dental caries. However, the pain factor did not show a significant effect on dental caries, suggesting that children's awareness of their pain conditions does not necessarily lead to changes in behavior that can prevent dental caries.

Recommendations

Based on the study's findings, several recommendations are made:

Improving Preventive Behavior

UKGS elementary school students in Medan Tuntung need to increase dental caries precautions by applying healthy behavior such as regularly brushing teeth, limiting the consumption of sweet foods and drinks, and regularly conducting dental examinations to doctors.
Parents and caregivers should also play an active role in promoting healthy behavior among children, such as encouraging regular brushing and flossing, and limiting the consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

Increasing Institutional Cooperation

The school needs to increase cooperation with health workers in order to increase promotive and preventive activities related to dental health.
A more intensive and attractive dental health education program can help children understand the importance of maintaining dental health and applying effective healthy behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study underlines the important role of health behavior in the prevention of dental caries. Increasing awareness and education that focuses on healthy behavior, as well as strong cooperation between schools and dental health workers, is the key to overcoming the problem of dental caries in children in Medan Tuntung District. By implementing these recommendations, we can reduce the incidence of dental caries and promote good oral health among children.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a specific region. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and conduct the study in multiple regions to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to investigate the effectiveness of dental health education programs in changing children's behavior and preventing dental caries. Additionally, studies should investigate the role of parents and caregivers in promoting healthy behavior among children and the impact of institutional cooperation on dental health outcomes.

References

World Health Organization. (2019). Oral Health.
Ministry of Health of Indonesia. (2018). National Oral Health Policy.
UKGS. (2012). School Dental Health Efforts in Medan Tuntung District.

Appendix

Questionnaire used in the study
Dental examination form used in the study
Double logistics regression analysis results
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Health Behavior on Dental Caries Events in UKGS Assisted Elementary School Students in Medan Tuntung District, Medan City in 2012

Q: What is dental caries and why is it a significant public health concern?

A: Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is a bacterial infection that causes demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to cavities and potentially painful dental problems. It is a significant public health concern because it affects millions of people worldwide, particularly children, and can lead to various complications, including tooth loss, pain, and decreased quality of life.

Q: What is the current situation of dental caries in Medan Tuntung District, Medan City?

A: According to the study, the incidence of dental caries in elementary school students assisted by UKGS in Medan Tuntung District reached 61.43% in 2011. This alarming rate highlights the need for effective dental health education to change children's behavior.

Q: What is the purpose of the study?

A: The study aims to investigate the relationship between health behavior and dental caries events among elementary school students in Medan Tuntung District. The study aims to identify the factors that contribute to dental caries and to provide recommendations for improving dental health outcomes.

Q: What are the key findings of the study?

A: The study found that there was a significant influence between healthy behavior factors and painful role behavior on dental caries events. However, the pain factor did not show a significant effect on dental caries. This suggests that although children may be aware of their pain conditions, it does not necessarily have an impact on changes in behavior that can prevent dental caries.

Q: What are the recommendations of the study?

A: The study recommends improving preventive behavior among children, such as regularly brushing teeth, limiting the consumption of sweet foods and drinks, and regularly conducting dental examinations. Additionally, the study recommends increasing institutional cooperation between schools and dental health workers to promote effective dental health education programs.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the study was conducted in a specific region. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and conduct the study in multiple regions to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Q: What are the future directions of the study?

A: Future studies should aim to investigate the effectiveness of dental health education programs in changing children's behavior and preventing dental caries. Additionally, studies should investigate the role of parents and caregivers in promoting healthy behavior among children and the impact of institutional cooperation on dental health outcomes.

Q: What are the implications of the study for dental health policy and practice?

A: The study highlights the importance of health behavior in preventing dental caries and the need for effective dental health education programs. The study's findings suggest that dental health policy and practice should focus on promoting healthy behavior among children and increasing institutional cooperation between schools and dental health workers.

Q: What are the potential applications of the study?

A: The study's findings can be applied to various settings, including schools, communities, and healthcare systems. The study's recommendations can be used to develop effective dental health education programs and to promote healthy behavior among children.

Q: What are the potential benefits of the study?

A: The study's findings can lead to improved dental health outcomes among children, reduced incidence of dental caries, and increased quality of life. The study's recommendations can also lead to increased institutional cooperation and improved dental health education programs.