Comparison of Effectiveness of Visual and Sign Motivation on the Oral Hygiene of Students.

Abstract

The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of visual and sign motivation on the oral hygiene of students with hearing and speech impairment studying in special schools of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 students. The sample was divided into two groups. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee. Data were collected at three points of time-at baseline, 1st and 3rd month. In the age-group, 8-13 years, on intergroup comparison of mean oral hygiene index (OHI) score, no significant difference was observed on the first visit (p-value of 0.351) and second visit, respectively (p-value of 0.687), but on comparing the mean simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) score on third visit significant difference was observed (p-value of 0.03) and in the age 14-18 years, on intergroup comparison of mean OHI-S score no significant difference was observed on first visit (p-value of 0.593) and second visit, respectively (p-value of 0.404), but on comparing the mean OHI-S score on third visit, significant difference was observed (p-value of 0.018) Both the groups have shown that there was the positive impact of reinforcement on the oral hygiene of students in this age-group as well. There was a significant improvement in oral hygiene status and a significant improvement in participant satisfaction toward oral health in both groups. Sign language video playback is not as effective and efficient in improving the maintenance of oral health in hearing and speech-impaired children as compared to sign language. This study has helped in the better understanding of different methods of maintaining good oral hygiene of hearing and speech-impaired children. Singh R, Saraf BG, Sheoran N, et al. Comparison of Effectiveness of Visual and Sign Motivation on the Oral Hygiene of Students. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):671-677.