Improving Oral Health With Serious Games

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Caries; Tooth Decay; Cavities; Gingivitis

• Registration Number: NCT02027597
• Lead Sponsor: University of Washington

Brief Summary

This study investigated if computer games can be effective at changing the way children take care of their teeth. We a museum exhibit with 3D virtual reality games called "Attack of the S. Mutans!" Our hypothesis was that children who played the games and visited the exhibit would show improved attitudes about oral health, which would translate into improved brushing and self-care habits.

In this randomized controlled study with school children aged 8-12, we compared the outcomes for three groups: Group 1) Visited Attack of the S. Mutans!; Group 2) Experienced a hands-on classroom presentation about virtual reality being used for healthcare; Group 3) Received no-treatment.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2008-10
• Primary Completion: 2010-12
• Study Completion: 2011-08
• Status Verified: 2014-01
• Study First Submitted: 2014-01-02
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-01-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2014-01-03
• Study First Posted: 2014-01-06
• Last Update Posted: 2014-01-06

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 161

Inclusion Criteria

For participation in the study, enrollment criteria are as follows: 1) a dentist's diagnosis of tooth decay, or restorative dental work in the previous year; and 2) Parents or guardians provide usable baseline data, including contact information for follow-up questionnaires.

Exclusion Criteria

None

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Self-Efficacy	8 months post treatment	Follow-up surveys were conducted at 3 points after the intervention for all groups. The survey included questions about the children's attitudes (self-efficacy) toward oral health and taking care of their teeth. Surveys were paper-pencil self-reports from both parents and children. Items were drawn from Morowatisharifabad and Shirazi, (2007) and adapted for ease of understanding for English speaking children.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Self-care behavior	8 months post treatment	Separate surveys of children and their parents were conducted at 3 points after the intervention all groups. The survey included questions about how often and how well the children took care of their teeth.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Firsthand Technology Inc.; 🇺🇸 Seattle, Washington, United States