Effectiveness of a Training Program in School Teachers on the Role of Sugars in Oral and General Health

Abstract

BACKGROUND Schools have a powerful influence on children's development and well-being, and school teachers are considered role models to transmit life values and instill health-related behaviors. The effectiveness of a training program for school teachers in understanding the role of sugars and their impact on oral and overall health has not been previously reported. AIM The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a training program for school teachers on the role of sugars in oral and general health. METHODS An interventional study was carried out on 308 Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan school teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of a training program in improving school teachers' knowledge of the role of sugars in oral and overall health. The training program was carried out using a training module, and a validated questionnaire was utilized to assess school teachers' knowledge before and after the training program. RESULTS The overall evaluation of mean knowledge change scores revealed significantly higher scores after the training program (8.12 ±1.58) when compared with the pre-training scores (6.84±1.66) Conclusion: A training program on the role of sugars in oral and general health effectively improved school teachers' knowledge.