Integrating oral health into primary healthcare: lessons from project OHE-NCHeW (oral health education for nurses and community health workers) in Nigeria

Abimbola M. Oladayo; Folake B. Lawal; Oyinkansola O. Sofola; Omolara G. Uti; Afolabi Oyapero; Adetayo Aborisade; Mojisola Olujitan; Omotayo F. Fagbule; Adeola T. Williams; Aderonke Dedeke; Ejiro Idiga; Yahya-Imam Abdul-Kabir Adegoke; Ilori Adeniji Oluwagbenga; Aishatu Baba Mele; Amina Sani Baffa; Ifeoluwa Adetula; Khadija Saad Musa; Bernal Stewart; Carlo Amorin Daep; Deon Hines; Jacinto Beard; Taiwo A. Lawal; Azeez Butali

doi:10.3389/froh.2025.1597243

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Integrating oral health into primary healthcare: lessons from project OHE-NCHeW (oral health education for nurses and community health workers) in Nigeria

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Integrating oral health into primary healthcare: lessons from project OHE-NCHeW (oral health education for nurses and community health workers) in Nigeria

Abimbola M. Oladayo, Folake B. Lawal, Oyinkansola O. Sofola, Omolara G. Uti, Afolabi Oyapero, Adetayo Aborisade, Mojisola Olujitan, Omotayo F. Fagbule, Adeola T. Williams, Aderonke Dedeke, …

Frontiers in oral health, Vol.6, 1597243

06/01/2025

DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1597243

PMCID: PMC12226467

PMID: 40621177

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Abstract

IntroductionOral health disparities in Nigeria highlight the need to integrate basic oral health into Primary Health Care (PHC). Project OHE-NCHeW (Oral Health Education for Nurses and Community Health Workers) was developed to train PHC workers in providing basic oral health care, education, and referrals in underserved communities. This study explored the impact of the training program on participants' knowledge, referral practices, and patient outcomes, and gathered feedback to optimize the program for future implementation.MethodsUsing a qualitative phenomenological approach, five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with participants to gather insights on knowledge acquisition, changes in referral practices, and barriers or facilitators to implementation. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using the CREATIVE framework. Additional feedback from trainers and observed patient impact were also considered.ResultsThe trained PHC workers reported enhanced knowledge and confidence, resulting in improved patient education and referrals. Patients also noted better oral health literacy and increased trust in dental referrals. Facilitators viewed the program as valuable and feasible, emphasizing the importance of ongoing training, resource allocation, and policy integration to maintain the program's impact. Key barriers included insufficient resources, lack of supervision, and cultural beliefs.DiscussionThe pilot training enhanced PHC worker capacity and was positively perceived by trainers. Patients reportedly responded favorably, indicating potential impact. However, addressing identified systemic and resource barriers is crucial for sustainable integration. This study offers multi-perspective insights for optimizing oral health integration within PHC in similar settings.

community health worker (CHW)

CREATIVE framework

nurses

oral health disparities

oral health education/promotion

primary healthcare (PHC)

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Title: Subtitle: Integrating oral health into primary healthcare: lessons from project OHE-NCHeW (oral health education for nurses and community health workers) in Nigeria
Creators: Abimbola M. Oladayo - A.T. Still University
Folake B. Lawal - University College Hospital, Ibadan
Oyinkansola O. Sofola - University College Hospital, Ibadan
Omolara G. Uti - University College Hospital, Ibadan
Afolabi Oyapero - Lagos State University
Adetayo Aborisade - Bayero University Kano
Mojisola Olujitan - University of Iowa
Omotayo F. Fagbule - University of Nevada, Reno
Adeola T. Williams - University College Hospital, Ibadan
Aderonke Dedeke - University College Hospital, Ibadan
Ejiro Idiga - University College Hospital, Ibadan
Yahya-Imam Abdul-Kabir Adegoke - Lagos University Teaching Hospital
Ilori Adeniji Oluwagbenga - Lagos University Teaching Hospital
Aishatu Baba Mele - Bayero University Kano
Amina Sani Baffa - Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
Ifeoluwa Adetula - Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
Khadija Saad Musa - Bayero University Kano
Bernal Stewart - 5Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Carlo Amorin Daep - 5Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Deon Hines - 5Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Jacinto Beard - 6National Dental Association Foundation, Washington, DC, United States
Taiwo A. Lawal - University College Hospital, Ibadan
Azeez Butali - Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Frontiers in oral health, Vol.6, 1597243
DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1597243
PMID: 40621177
PMCID: PMC12226467
NLM abbreviation: Front Oral Health
eISSN: 2673-4842
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A; LAUSANNE
Grant note: Colgate-PalmoliveNational Dental Association Foundation: 18748400 - L833500
The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This pilot training was supported jointly by Colgate-Palmolive and the National Dental Association Foundation Grant ID 18748400 - L833500 PI, AO).
Language: English
Date published: 06/01/2025
Academic Unit: Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center; Dental Research
Record Identifier: 9984833630802771

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