Health Education II: Main Exam, 27 March 2026

Mount Kenya University · Department of Nutrition and Dietetics · Diploma in Community Oral Health · DPH2108

Health Education II (DPH2108) Mount Kenya University 2026 past paper with model answers.

Instructions: ANSWER QUESTION ONE IN SECTION A AND ANY OTHER TWO IN SECTION B.

ANSWER QUESTION ONE IN SECTION A AND ANY OTHER TWO IN SECTION B.

SECTION A: (40 MARKS) ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

1. Define halitosis and state how it can be managed. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Halitosis: chronic bad breath caused by oral or systemic factors.
  • Management:
  • Oral hygiene: brushing twice daily, flossing, tongue cleaning.
  • Dental care: regular check‑ups, treatment of caries or periodontal disease.
  • Saliva stimulation: chewing sugar‑free gum, adequate hydration.
  • Dietary changes: reduce garlic, onions, sugary foods.
  • Medical review: investigate GERD, sinusitis, diabetes, or medication side‑effects.

2. State five objectives of health education. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Health promotion: increase knowledge and awareness.
  • Behaviour change: encourage adoption of healthy habits.
  • Skill development: teach practical skills for self‑care.
  • Social support: build supportive networks and peer influence.
  • Policy advocacy: influence policies that promote health.

3. List five principles of effective health education. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Relevance: content must match audience needs.
  • Clarity: simple, understandable language.
  • Cultural sensitivity: respect local beliefs and practices.
  • Evidence‑based: use up‑to‑date scientific information.
  • Interactive: involve participants actively.

4. Mention five methods of health education. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Lectures: structured presentations.
  • Demonstrations: live or video showing techniques.
  • Group discussions: peer‑to‑peer learning.
  • Printed materials: brochures, flyers, posters.
  • Community outreach: workshops, health fairs.

5. State five roles of an oral health educator. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Educator: deliver content and model behaviours.
  • Facilitator: guide discussions and activities.
  • Evaluator: assess learning outcomes and needs.
  • Advocate: promote oral health policies.
  • Researcher: gather data to improve programmes.

6. List five barriers to effective health education. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Limited resources: lack of funding or materials.
  • Low literacy: hampers understanding of messages.
  • Cultural barriers: beliefs that conflict with health advice.
  • Language differences: communication gaps.
  • Resistance to change: entrenched habits or scepticism.

7. Describe the process of counseling in oral health. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Establish rapport: greet the client, show empathy and create a trusting environment.
  • Assess needs: gather information on oral health status, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.
  • Set goals: define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time‑bound (SMART) oral health objectives.
  • Provide information: give clear, culturally appropriate advice on oral hygiene, diet and risk factors.
  • Facilitate decision‑making: discuss options, address barriers and support the client in choosing a plan.
  • Develop an action plan: outline steps, resources and timelines for oral health practices.
  • Implement and monitor: assist the client in starting the plan and schedule follow‑up.
  • Evaluate outcomes: review progress, reinforce successes and modify the plan as needed.
  • Document: record the counseling session, goals and outcomes for continuity of care.

8. State the importance of health education in oral health. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Increases knowledge of oral disease causes and prevention.
  • Promotes positive oral hygiene behaviours and self‑care.
  • Encourages early detection and timely dental visits.
  • Reduces prevalence of caries, periodontal disease and oral cancers.
  • Supports community empowerment and health‑seeking attitudes.
  • Facilitates integration of oral health into overall public health programmes.

SECTION B: (30 MARKS) - ANSWER ANY TWO

9. Describe the steps involved in planning a health education session. (15 marks)

Model answer
  • Needs assessment: identify target group, oral health problems and learning needs through surveys or interviews.
  • Define objectives: write clear, measurable learning outcomes (knowledge, attitudes, skills).
  • Select content: choose relevant topics, messages and evidence‑based information.
  • Choose teaching methods: decide on lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, visual aids, role‑play etc.
  • Develop materials: prepare handouts, posters, slides, models and any audio‑visual aids.
  • Plan logistics: arrange venue, time, equipment, participants and facilitators.
  • Pilot test: trial the session with a small group and refine based on feedback.
  • Implement session: deliver the education using the planned methods and materials.
  • Monitor participation: record attendance, engagement and any immediate reactions.
  • Evaluate outcomes: assess learning through pre‑/post‑tests, questionnaires or observation.
  • Provide feedback: share results with participants and stakeholders.
  • Revise and sustain: modify the programme for future sessions and plan follow‑up activities.
  • Document: keep records of objectives, materials, evaluation data and lessons learned.
  • Report: prepare a summary report for funders or health authorities.
  • Plan for scaling: consider how the session can be adapted for larger audiences or other communities.

10. Discuss five communication skills required by an oral health educator. (15 marks)

Model answer
  • Active listening: give full attention, use verbal and non‑verbal cues, and reflect back the client’s concerns.
  • Clear communication: use simple language, avoid jargon, and check understanding with teach‑back.
  • Empathy: express genuine concern and validate feelings about oral health issues.
  • Motivational interviewing: ask open‑ended questions, explore ambivalence and reinforce readiness to change.
  • Cultural competence: respect cultural beliefs, use appropriate examples and, if needed, language translation.

11. Discuss the role of health education in prevention of oral diseases. (15 marks)

Model answer
  • Raises community awareness of risk factors such as sugary diets, tobacco and poor hygiene.
  • Provides knowledge on preventive practices like brushing, flossing and regular dental check‑ups.
  • Encourages adoption of healthy behaviours, reducing incidence of caries and periodontal disease.
  • Facilitates early detection through education on warning signs, leading to timely treatment.
  • Supports policy advocacy for fluoridation, school dental programs and access to care.
  • Empowers individuals to take responsibility for their oral health, fostering long‑term sustainability.
  • Integrates oral health messages into broader health promotion (e.g., nutrition, NCD prevention).

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