The Effects of Oral Care Education on Caregivers' Knowledge, Attitude, & Behavior toward Oral Hygiene for Elderly Residents in a Nursing Home

Purpose: To investigate the effects of oral care education on knowledge, attitudes & behavior of caregivers in oral care and oral hygiene for residents in nursing homes. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, the intervention group (n= 27) of residents received oral care from intervention group caregivers (n= 28) who had received 6 weeks of oral care education. The control group (n= 27) of residents received usual oral care from control group caregivers (n= 26). Data on knowledge, attitude, and behavioral change in oral health care by the caregivers and plaque index & halitosis of the residents were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 16.0. Results: 1) Scores on caregivers’ knowledge ( p< .001) and behavior (p< .001) for oral care were higher in the intervention group 6 and 12 weeks. The caregivers’ attitude ( p< .001) score for oral care was higher in the intervention group 12 weeks. 2) The plaque index (p= .004) and halitosis (p= .002) of the nursing home residents were lower in the intervention group than the control group at 6 and 12 weeks. Conclusion: Oral care education programs for caregivers are effective in improving the oral hygiene of elderly residents in nursing homes through enhancement of caregivers’ knowledge, attitude, and behavioral change.