Effect of educational status on oral health education program amongst Anganwadi workers in improving oral health of preschool children of Muradnagar block, Ghaziabad-A cross-sectional study

Aim: To study effect of educational status of Anganwadi Workers on oral health education program and its impact on improving oral health of preschool children in Muradnagar block, Ghaziabad. Materials and Methods: Study was done amongst 30 Anganwadi Centres of Muradnagar selected by simple random sampling. Sample size was calculated to be 503. Anganwadi Workers were divided into four groups depending on their educational status. Pre tested questionnaire was used to assess baseline knowledge of Anganwadi workers on oral health. Oral health education was imparted to them. Clinical examination of preschool children attending Anganwadi centres was done at baseline and after oral health education program. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 18. Results: Mean values of knowledge scores were found to be higher in Anganwadi workers (36.7) with high educational status leading to higher improvement (76%) in oral health status of preschool children. Conclusion: Educational Status of Anganwadi Workers has a significant impact on their oral health knowledge and efficiency of improving oral health status of preschool children.