Effectiveness of oral health education on oral hygiene status among schizophrenic patients: A randomized controlled study

AimThe study aims to assess the effectiveness of oral health education on oral hygiene status among schizophrenic patients. Methods and resultsA randomized parallel controlled trial was conducted among schizophrenic patients (n=111) with BPR score of 48 to assess the role of oral health education on their oral hygiene status. The experimental group (n=56) received oral health education while the control group (n=55) were administered standard care advice. Reinforcement in the form of printed calendar was done after 1 month followed by final assessment of KAP (knowledge, attitude and practice) through DCBS (Dental Coping Beliefs Scale), while oral hygiene through the oral hygiene index done after 2 months. Majority of subjects were males with mean age of 34.73 9.9 years and mean duration of illness of 6.41 +/- 5.2 years. All domains of the modified DCBS showed significant improvement in the experimental group. Frequency of brushing twice a day increased from 5.4% to 23.2% (p<0.05) in the experimental group. DI score was 2.28 +/- 0.93 versus 2.98 +/- 1.3 (p<0.02) in the experimental group as compared to the control group. ConclusionThe oral health education with reinforcement in the form of printed calendar although showed statistically significant changes but lacked clinical importance.