Title : Development and feasibility evaluation of an oral health management education program for the elderly based on the health belief model
Abstract:
Objective: To develop an oral health management education program for the elderly based on the Health Belief Model and evaluate its feasibility.
Methods: Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework, an initial draft of the intervention program was developed through literature review and semi-structured interviews. Five experts were invited to revise the program. The final intervention consisted of four units, each lasting 60 minutes. Seventeen elderly participants were recruited to undergo the intervention. The feasibility and preliminary effects of the program were evaluated using feasibility metrics, an Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire, a Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI).
Results: During the study period, the recruitment rate was 83.33%, the retention rate was 85.00%, and the adherence rate was 92.65%. Post-intervention, there were significant improvements compared to pre-intervention in the total and subscale scores of oral health KAP, self-efficacy, and the psychological function dimension of oral health-related quality of life among the elderly participants (P < 0.05). However, no significant improvement was observed in the total GOHAI score (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The oral health management education program for the elderly, developed based on the Health Belief Model, demonstrates good feasibility. It is beneficial for enhancing the oral health knowledge, attitude, practices, and self-efficacy of the elderly, as well as improving their psychological status related to oral health
Keywords: Health Belief Model; Oral Health Management; Intervention Program; Nursing
