Nourishing Smiles: Challenges and Lessons Learned from Implementing an Interprofessional School-based Oral Health and Nutrition Literacy Program for Adolescents

Authors

Allison N. Marshall, Tulane UniversityFollow
Kiana M. Jenkins, University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonFollow
Carlos G. Fuentes, University of HoustonFollow
Dylan Tran, University of HoustonFollow
Karen N. Mejia, University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonFollow
Maja Djukic, University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonFollow
Rahma Mungia, University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioFollow
Alexander Testa, University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonFollow
Flor Alvarado, Tulane University School of MedicineFollow
Daphne C. Hernandez, University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonFollow

Abstract

Increasing autonomy and potential engagement in risky health behaviors during adolescence creates a critical time for oral health and nutrition health promotion. A Social Cognitive Theory-based oral health promotion program was developed and piloted in an under-resourced urban high school. The program was designed to improve health literacy regarding oral health, nutrition, and risky health behaviors that influence oral health through didactic lessons and interactive in-class group activities. In this pilot study, twenty-four students participated and completed both pre-/post-program surveys (mean age=15.6 years [SD=0.97], 63% female; 75% Black; 46% food insecure). Over one-third (38%) of students had not visited a dentist in the past year (67% male; 56% Black, 44% food insecure). While health literacy slightly increased from pre- to post-program, the increase was not significant. The limited positive findings may be related to small sample size in this pilot, as well as implementation challenges that occurred: lack of partnership buy-in, turnover and vacancies, scheduling conflicts, low attendance, and available but inaccessible dental care. Lessons learned from the challenges can inform future program planning and implementation.

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0002-4266-1830

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

Recommended Citation

Marshall, Allison N.; Jenkins, Kiana M.; Fuentes, Carlos G.; Tran, Dylan; Mejia, Karen N.; Djukic, Maja; Mungia, Rahma; Testa, Alexander; Alvarado, Flor; and Hernandez, Daphne C. (2024) "Nourishing Smiles: Challenges and Lessons Learned from Implementing an Interprofessional School-based Oral Health and Nutrition Literacy Program for Adolescents," Health Behavior Research: Vol. 7: No. 4. https://doi.org/10.4148/2572-1836.1255