Common oral diseases: knowledge and practices among public health midwives in Puttalam District

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the level of oral health knowledge and level of oral health care practices of Public Health Midwives (PHMM) in Puttalam district. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Study population was the total number of PHMM, employed in Puttalam district. Out of 156 PHMM employed, 139 participated in the study. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect data from PHMM. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used for the mothers. A non-probability convenient sampling method was used to select the sample of mothers, as the investigator was pressed for time and resources. Participation of the PHMM was 89 percent and, can be considered as a good representation of PHMM working in Puttalam district. The majority belonged to the age group of 30-40 years. Most of the PHMM were married and had children. Location of residence was close by to the place of work, of the majority of the PHMM. They were fairly well educated, but lacked motivation. In service trainings the PHMM have received were mostly related to the areas of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) care. In service training on oral health was received by nearly 45 percent