EFFECT OF HEALTH EDUCATION INTERVENTION PROGRAMME ON PRACTICE OF DENTAL CARIES PREVENTION STRATEGIES AMONG ADULTS IN ZARIA-METROPOLIS, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral disease; it is refer to as a multifactorial oral disease initiated by acid-producing bacteria that attack and damage dental hard tissues. This condition can also be described as a microbial imbalance within the oral cavity in association with factors such as saliva, fluoride exposure, and diet. Practice of the preventive strategies in dental caries has been a challenge for the population over a long period of time. A multifaceted approach, the involvement of all dentists, health educators, and policy makers, as well as research studies that evaluate the results of the paradigm of caries prevention strategies and adjust it as necessary are all necessary for moving forward with practice and implementation. The current estimated population in 2022 at a 2.5% annual increase is 601,300 and 430,500 for Sabon-Gari and Zaria LGA respectively. With these the estimated total population for the area of study will be 1,031,800, which is the total population for Zaria Metropolis. The sample size for this study consists of sixty (60) adults (male and female) that will be drawn from population of Zaria metropolis in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used. The instrument that was used for data collection in this study is a researcher structured close-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: Section A and B. Section A contains five (5) items on demographic characteristics of the respondents. Section A contains ten (10) items on practice of dental caries prevention strategies among adults. The effect of health education intervention programme on practice of dental caries prevention strategies among adult in Zaria metropolis of Kaduna State, Nigeria posttest is significant (p = 0.000). The difference between control and experimental group in practice of dental caries prevention strategies before and after the health education intervention programme on knowledge among adult in Zaria metropolis of Kaduna State, Nigeria is significant (p = 0.000). Given the significant improvement, extend the intervention to other regions or states to broaden its impact on dental caries prevention. Implement regular follow-up sessions to ensure sustained application of the prevention strategies learned by participants.