Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Oral Health among Anganwadi Workers of Belgaum City, Karnataka

Abstract

Anganwadi workers are the grass root workers who work in close proximity with the community. They form the first level contact between the community and health care delivery system. They are in a strategic position to deliver health related message and preliminary care to mothers and children. Hence they form potential vehicle for disseminating even oral health related message and knowledge. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices towards oral health among Anganwadi workers of Belgaum city, Karnataka. 110 Anganwadi workers were interviewed personally using a specially designed pretested close ended questionnaire. Only 18.2% of Anganwadi workers had high knowledge, a majority i.e. 78.2% had a favourable attitude towards oral health. A majority i.e. 98.1% of the workers were maintaining oral hygiene by using tooth brush and paste. A substantial proportion i.e. 20% of the workers were brushing twice daily and 48% of the workers had gone for dental consultation.