Jackson C; AcademyHealth. Meeting (2003 : Nashville, Tenn.).
Abstr AcademyHealth Meet. 2003; 20: abstract no. 76.
University of Southern Maine, Institute for Public Sector Innovation, 295 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330 Tel. (207) 626-5029 Fax (207) 626-5210
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: Between 2000 and 2002, the Maine Oral Health Program and the Maine School Oral Health Initiative (MSOHI)implemented a comprehensive evaluation of the School Oral Health Program, a statewide, school-based prevention program that provides education, fluoride mouthrinse and dental screenings. One component of the comprehensive evaluation was a quantitative analysis of schools in Maine, specifically comparing schools with an oral health program to those without. The MSOHI was interested in determining whether or not programs were located in schools with the greatest need. STUDY DESIGN: The research was conducted using archival data analysis. The MSOHI Steering Committee identified key variables including access to fluoridated water, access to dental care providers, MaineCare (Medicaid) enrollment, poverty rate, and free and reduced lunch rate. The study included 1) a comparison of schools with a School Oral Health Program and schools without using T-tests; 2) the use of maps to show the geographic distribution of fluoridated water and dentists relative to schools with and without programs; 3) a logistic regression to predict whether or not a school has a program based on the key variables listed above. POPULATION STUDIED: All elementary schools in Maine were included in the analysis. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Principal findings of the comparison of schools with and without a School Oral Health Program were that schools with an SOHP are located in towns with a lower percent of residents with fluoridated water and with a higher percent of children enrolled in MaineCare. In addition, schools with oral health programs have a higher free and reduced lunch enrollment rate. The maps produced for the study highlight areas of the state without fluoridated water, with few dental care providers and schools that do not have School Oral Health Programs. These areas suggest schools that the MSOHI might consider for future funding. The logistic regression analysis indicates that free and reduced lunch rates, fluoridated water and percent Maine Care enrollment are significantly related to whether or not a school has an Oral Health Program or not. The model correctly classified 68% of cases. The MSOHI closely examined the residuals - schools that have a program that the model predicts that it shouldn't and schools that do not have a program that the model predicts should have a program. CONCLUSIONS: Facing limited resources and great need for preventive oral healthcare services, the MSOHI Steering Committee was charged with developing a standardized method of determining whether or not a school is eligible for School Oral Health Program funding. The Steering Committee decided to base eligibility on a combination of factors including free and reduced lunch rate, access to fluoridated water, Maine Care enrollment and town poverty rate. This study demonstrates how analysis of archival data can be used in applied research to help officials make important decisions regarding public health programs. IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY, DELIVERY OR PRACTICE: Results of this study were used to develop guidelines for eligibility for the School Oral Health Program.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Child
- Health Personnel
- Humans
- Maine
- Oral Health
- Oral Hygiene
- School Health Services
- Schools
- Teaching
- methods
- hsrmtgs
Other ID:
UI: 102275062
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