Effectiveness of an Oral Health Literacy Intervention on Oral Health Behaviors and Plaque Index in Orthodontic Patients
- Conditions
- Dental PlaquePeriodontal DiseasesOral Health Behavior Change
- Registration Number
- NCT06666374
- Lead Sponsor
- Srinakharinwirot University
- Brief Summary
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel psychologic-based oral health instruction program (OHL program) by comparing oral health behaviors (OHB) and plaque index (PI) scores between intervention and control groups at three key time points-pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up-enabling a comprehensive assessment of the intervention's impact and and persistence over time. The study hypothesizes that (1) the OHL program will lead to greater improvements in OHL compared to a traditional control group and (2) these effects will be sustained through the follow-up period.
Participants in the intervention group received the OHL program, while those in the control group received traditional oral hygiene instruction. Both groups had data collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-week follow-up.
- Detailed Description
The outcomes were oral health behavior (OHB) and plaque index (PI), compared at three time points: baseline (initial), post-intervention (final), and at a 3-week follow-up. Additionally, as a manipulation check, oral health literacy (OHL) levels were assessed at all three intervals.
Demographic information, OHL, and OHB were measured using standardized questionnaires from previous research. The 31-item OHL scale assessed five elements: 1) access, 2) understanding, 3) evaluation, 4) application, and 5) communication of oral health information and services. A 14-item scale evaluated OHB across three domains: 1) oral hygiene practices, 2) dietary choices, and 3) utilization of dental services.
In addition, clinical assessments of plaque were conducted using the Silness and Löe plaque index (PI, 1964). Plaque was evaluated on four surfaces of each tooth (mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual) using a WHO probe. Scores ranged from 0 to 3, reflecting the absence to a large amount of plaque accumulation, based on their established criteria. A single oral examiner recorded the plaque scores for each surface, and the average score for each tooth was calculated. The total score was then summed and divided by the total number of teeth examined, providing an overall plaque index for each individual. There were no outcome changes after trial commencement.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 78
- participants undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, free from non-communicable chronic diseases (such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart disease), capable of reading, writing, and providing informed consent, and willing to participate in the oral health program.
- reluctance to provide health information, inability to complete assessments, or withdrawal from the program at any stage.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Oral health behavior Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-week follow-up, with a total study duration averaging 3 months. Oral hygiene care, Dietary choice, Dental visit
PI Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-week follow-up, with a total study duration averaging 3 months. Plaque index score
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method OHL Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-week follow-up, with a total study duration averaging 3 months. Oral health literacy
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center
🇹🇭Nakhon Nayok, Thailand