Strawberry utilization empowerment program in lowerature environment as a dental health promotion

Aims: Based on the results of preliminary observations on 100 mothers in Claket, Pacet, Mojokerto, it was obtained that there is a significant association between oral hygiene with caries rate. Of the 48 participants with poor oral hygiene index (1.3-6), 26 participants (54.2%) had caries rate that exceeded the average of the population (decay, missing, or filling on permanent teeth index ≥8.29). This shows that participants with poor oral hygiene tend to have high levels of caries. Providing knowledge to participants about the benefits of strawberries for oral health, especially as food, that can help the process of self-cleansing and improving oral hygiene as well as how to cultivate strawberries. Subjects and Methods: The formal approach was done through cadres of Claket village, while nonformal approach was done by building interpersonal closeness to participants who took active roles in the activities. The statistical analysis for this study was done using SPSS 17 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois). Results: There were 38 mothers who participated in this program. A group of cadres was formed for the program, namely Laskar Pelangi, consisting of four people. The cadres received 30 strawberry seeds to be distributed to the other participants and a booklet, in which one of the contained information is about strawberry plants and the means of cultivation. Conclusions: The program went well, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the participants and cadres in each stage of the program. It can be seen from many questions from the mothers and the results in which the mothers managed to understand how to cultivate strawberries.