Authors: Lesego Maureen Makgetla, Mpho P Molete
In this cross-sectional study, researchers aimed to assess oral health knowledge and referral practices of community health workers in South Africa. Researchers used a questionnaire to collect data from 148 CHWs in three districts in the West Rand. Overall, more than 60 percent of respondents reported having knowledge of oral conditions. However, CHWs demonstrated limited knowledge regarding oral disease prevention, such as preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, researchers found poor referral practices; only 37 percent of CHWs referred a patient after recognizing an unusual oral condition, and 11 percent had never referred a patient at all. The results of this study suggest inadequate knowledge of oral health and related care practices among CHWs in the West Rand. In the future, better training and education may be implemented to address this gap.
Link: The Knowledge and Participation of Community Health Care Workers in Oral Health Promotion
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Resource Topic: CHW, Oral care, Survey
Resource Type: Research
Year: 2022
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: South Africa
Publisher May Restrict Access: No