Oral healthcare-related perception, utilization, and barriers among schoolteachers: A qualitative study

Abstract

Health perceptions play an important part influencing health care utilization. Oral health messages and practices advocated by teachers can ensure better compliance by the students. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to assess qualitative insight regarding the perception and outlook of the school teachers understanding probable barriers regarding oral health care seeking behavior. Materials and Methods: Phenomenology type of qualitative research design was used amongst 44 school teachers of a Senior Secondary Government School of Delhi selected through convenient sampling. One to one in-depth interview was taken in 03 sections: demographic details, knowledge of oral health and its significance in life along with commonly followed and recommended oral hygiene practices and their views regarding barriers to oral health. Summative content analysis was conducted. Frequency distribution of the observed keywords was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of teachers was 33.7 + 7.02 years (27-41 years). Every participant in the study felt that 'oral health is integral part of overall health'. On inquiring the prime reason; it was quoted 'Awareness/affects general health' (15.2%) followed by 'Bad oral health affects academic performance' (9.6%). Regarding perceived barriers for dental service delivery l; the major roadblock perceived was 'lack of awareness' (47.7%) followed by 'financial barrier' (29.5%).Conclusion: The responses gave an insight regarding the basic need for further subject specific oral health education programs as a key for changing the current scenario. Future seminars and workshops remain the mainstream to appraise the knowledge for school staff.