Nursing journal, Vol. 30 No. 3, 2025.
Stručni rad
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.30.3.5
Competence of nurses for pedagogical work in the field of oral health for children and adolescents
Ksenija Škerbot
; Zdravstveni dom Lenart, Maistrova ulica 22, 2 230 Lenart v Slovenskih goricah, Slovenija
Barbara Kegl
orcid.org/0000-0002-4749-4509
; Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za zdravstvene vede, Žitna ulica 15, 2 000 Maribor, Slovenija
*
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Introduction: Nurses play a key role in educating children and adolescents about oral health. Their pedagogical competence influences the effectiveness of knowledge transfer and the development of healthy habits, while they face a variety of challenges that differ depending on the educational setting.
Aim: This study aims to investigate and evaluate the pedagogical competencies that nurses use to promote oral health education among children and adolescents.
Methods: The study employed a quantitative methodology using an online questionnaire completed by 30 nurses actively engaged in health education in the field of oral health. The collected data were analysed using descriptive methods.
Results: Many participating nurses reported extensive professional experience and higher education. Approximately seven-eighths of the respondents had already been involved in programs focused on educating children about oral health. Two-thirds rated their ability to conduct such activities as good, and most of them carried out educational activities up to five times per week. The most used methods included lectures, practical demonstrations, and individual counselling, supported by visual aids, interactive questions, and group tasks. The most frequently cited challenges were lack of time, limited materials, and insufficient parental cooperation. Nevertheless, more than seven-eighths of the respondents expressed a need for additional professional training. Children were reported to participate actively in these activities, whereas parental involvement was considerably limited.
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings indicate that nurses are highly motivated and experienced in working with children in the field of oral health. However, their efforts are often constrained by insufficient resources, time limitations, and low levels of parental cooperation. To enhance the effectiveness of health education programs, it would be beneficial to strengthen support through additional professional training, improve access to appropriate materials, and develop strategies for greater parental involvement.
Ključne riječi
oral health; nurses; pedagogical skills; education of children and adolescents
Hrčak ID:
340435
URI
Datum izdavanja:
8.12.2025.
Posjeta: 821 *