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Stephen Clarke, MA, Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Ave S, Medical Towers 518G, Birmingham, AL 35294, (205)975-5451, sclarke@uab.edu, Varena G. Stalker, MPA, School of Public Health, Community Cove University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Health Promotion, 1530 3RD AVE S, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, James M. Raczynski, PhD, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR 72205, Connie Kohler, DrPH, Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, RPHB 227, 1530 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, Carol Cornell, PhD, Division of Preventive Medicine, Behavioral Medicine Unit, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Ave. South, Office 641, Birmingham, AL 35205, and LeaVonne Pulley, PhD, Health Behavior, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham #820, Little Rock, AR 72205.
This project promoted preventive oral health habits among the residents of a rural Alabama community. Previously trained Community Health Advisors (CHAs; n=13) from the local area received instruction in oral anatomy, proper brushing and flossing, healthy and unhealthy foods, the importance of regular dental visits, common treatments for oral conditions, and specialized topics such as dentures, diabetes, and tobacco cessation.
The intervention phase has been active since June 2003. Activities have included a kickoff event at the City Hall; CHA-led presentations to churches, PTA meetings, schoolchildren, and senior centers; informal discussions with family and neighbors and at gathering events such as family reunions and the local high school homecoming; local radio coverage; and distribution of toothbrushes, floss, and age-appropriate printed materials such as laminated mirror cards, coloring books, and project-developed holiday greeting cards with oral health themes.
Process data indicate that visits to the local dentist for last-resort treatments, such as extractions, have decreased, and that patients are more aware of the importance of and proper techniques for brushing and flossing. Community surveys conducted at baseline and scheduled again upon project completion will assess knowledge, attitude, and behavior changes relevant to oral health topics.
Learning Objectives: Community members will demonstrate improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in the following topic areas
Keywords: Community Health Programs, Oral Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.