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TerriHuffSimmonsDNPproject.pdf (1.21 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Promoting Oral Health Knowledge in African American College Students

Huff-Simmons, Terri
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1302-9350
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=otbn1429608611

Abstract Details

2015, DNP, Otterbein University, Nursing.
Objective. This study aims to 1) assess African American college student's knowledge of oral self-care and healthcare access, 2) to provide education on how to prevent/decrease oral health disease through proper oral hygiene, and 3) help students identify resources available to promote positive oral health management behaviors. Methods. The project is a quantitative descriptive study using a pre and post-test to assess African American college students knowledge of oral health, oral hygiene and access to oral healthcare at a Historical Black College and University (HBCU) in rural Ohio. A pre questionnaire containing items regarding oral hygiene and oral health based on the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) as well as questions about access to oral healthcare was distributed to African American college students to measure their knowledge. A demographic questionnaire was distributed. Students participated in a 20-30 minute oral health educational program based on the ADA's Mouth Healthy Program. A post-test was given 4-6 weeks after the initial pre-test by electronic survey to assess if any knowledge has been retained. Results. 24 students completed the pretest questionnaire and attended the health educational session. 41% (10) of the 24 completed the post-test questionnaire 4-6 weeks following the intervention by electronic survey. Students completing the pre-intervention questionnaire answered 6 of the 10 questions pertaining to oral health with a passing grade of 60% or higher. Low scores, less than 60%, were noted on questions pertaining to energy drinks; flossing teeth; the color of healthy teeth, and the best way to prevent gum disease. Answers of 'don't know' were recorded on 50% of the questions with the highest response from the question pertaining to the best way to prevent gum disease at 21%. Thirty-eight percent of the participants knew where to go if they needed to be seen by a dentist and 67% had transportation. Student's oral health knowledge improved following the intervention as evident on the post-test by an increase in the percent of oral health knowledge questions answered correctly. I had ten questions; seven showed an increase in score, two a decrease in score and one showed no change. A decrease in score post-intervention was seen in questions pertaining to out growing tooth decay and white teeth being healthy teeth. The biggest decrease was seen in the question pertaining to out growing tooth decay. Post intervention, 30% said they knew where to go for dental care and 60% still had transportation. Conclusion. An oral health program targeting African American college students at a Midwest college can increase their oral health knowledge which will hopefully lead to improved oral health behavior leading to better oral health.
Alicia Ribar, PhD,CNP (Advisor)
Mary McKelvey, PhD (Committee Member)
Andrew Mesaros, Jr, DDS (Committee Member)
45 p.
African Americans; Health; Health Care; Health Education; Higher Education; Nursing; Public Health Education
Oral health; Oral health knowledge; College students; African Americans; Oral hygiene; Oral health knowledge

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Huff-Simmons, T. (2015). Promoting Oral Health Knowledge in African American College Students [Doctoral dissertation, Otterbein University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=otbn1429608611

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Huff-Simmons, Terri. Promoting Oral Health Knowledge in African American College Students. 2015. Otterbein University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=otbn1429608611.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Huff-Simmons, Terri. "Promoting Oral Health Knowledge in African American College Students." Doctoral dissertation, Otterbein University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=otbn1429608611

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

otbn1429608611
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This open access ETD is published by Otterbein University and OhioLINK.