KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF ANGANWADI WORKERS TOWARDS ORAL PARAFUNCTIONAL HABITS- A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Dr. D J Veeresh; Dr Puja C Yavagal; Dr.J.Mahesh; Dr.S Pranav; Dr.K K Viswa Teja; Dr.C T Navya

Volume : VIII, Issue : I, January - 2019

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF ANGANWADI WORKERS TOWARDS ORAL PARAFUNCTIONAL HABITS- A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Dr. D J Veeresh, Dr Puja C Yavagal, Dr. J. Mahesh, Dr. S Pranav, Dr. K K Viswa Teja, Dr. C T Navya

Abstract :

Anganwadi worker (AW) is the principal worker in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) project in India. She should have the basic knowledge to recognize and assess the oral health problems of children. Literature search revealed very few studies which have assessed the awareness regarding parafunctional habits among Anganwadi workers. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding oral parafunctional habits among Anganwadi workers in Davanagere city. Methods and Material: A Descriptive Cross sectional Questionnaire Survey was conducted among whole sample of 127 registered Anganwadi workers from 5 training centers in Davanagere city. Knowledge and attitude regarding oral parafunctional habits was assessed among the study subjects using self-administered, validated questionnaire. Questionnaire consisted of 14 closed ended questions with responses placed in three point Likert scale.. Data (Descriptive statistics) was expressed in terms of percentages. Results: Majority of Anganwadi workers(78%) were aware of oral parafunctional habits. Majority of them considered only finger sucking habit as abnormal. Surprisingly majority of them (more than 50%) considered Lip sucking, Biting objects, Nail biting, Tongue protraction, Bruxism, Mouth eathing and Use of pacifier or baby bottle by children above three years of age as normal habits. Majority (>70%) of them believed that Para functional habits interfere with normal growth/ development of face and jaws and cause pain in the jaw joint. More than 60% of Anganwadi workers believed that para functional habits lead to malocclusion and teeth wear. Very few (around 13%) were unaware of effects of Parafunctional habits on oral health. Conclusions: Majority of the Anganwadi workers were aware of oral parafunctional habits but surprisingly except for use of pacifier or baby bottle by children above three years of age Majority of workers showed a favourable attitude towards prevention and interception of such habits and expressed the need to get educated towards the same.