scholarly journals An Interactive Parent-Targeted Text Messaging Intervention to Improve Oral Health in Children Attending Urban Pediatric Clinics: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/14247 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. e14247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda Borrelli ◽  
Michelle Henshaw ◽  
Romano Endrighi ◽  
William G Adams ◽  
Timothy Heeren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Oral Health Behaviors ◽  
Scale Range

Background Effective preventive treatments for dental decay exist, but caries experience among preschoolers has not changed, with marked disparities in untreated decay. Despite near-universal use of SMS text messaging, there are no studies using text messages to improve the oral health of vulnerable children. Objective This randomized controlled feasibility trial aimed to test the effects of oral health text messages (OHT) versus a control (child wellness text messages or CWT). OHT was hypothesized to outperform CWT on improving pediatric oral health behaviors and parent attitudes. Methods Parents with a child aged <7 years were recruited at urban clinics during pediatric appointments (79% [41/52] below poverty line; 66% [36/55] black) and randomized to OHT (text messages on brushing, dental visits, bottle and sippy cups, healthy eating and sugary beverages, and fluoride) or CWT (text messages on reading, safety, physical activity and development, secondhand smoke, and stress) groups. Automated text messages based on Social Cognitive Theory were sent twice each day for 8-weeks. Groups were equivalent on the basis of the number of text messages sent, personalization, interactivity, and opportunity to earn electronic badges and unlock animated characters. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 8 weeks later. Data were analyzed with linear mixed–effects models. Results A total of 55 participants were randomized (28 OHT and 27 CWT). Only one participant dropped out during the text message program and 47 (24 OHT and 23 CWT) completed follow up surveys. Response rates exceeded 68.78% (1040/1512) and overall program satisfaction was high (OHT mean 6.3; CWT mean 6.2; 1-7 scale range). Of the OHT group participants, 84% (21/25) would recommend the program to others. Overall program likeability scores were high (OHT mean 5.90; CWT mean 6.0; 1-7 scale range). Participants reported high perceived impact of the OHT program on brushing their child’s teeth, motivation to address their child's oral health, and knowledge of their child's oral health needs (mean 4.7, 4.6, and 4.6, respectively; 1-5 scale range). At follow up, compared with CWT, OHT group participants were more likely to brush their children’s teeth twice per day (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% CI 0.28-6.50) and demonstrated improved attitudes regarding the use of fluoride (OR 3.82, 95% CI 0.9-16.8) and toward getting regular dental checkups for their child (OR 4.68, 95% CI 0.24-91.4). There were modest, but not significant, changes in motivation (F1,53=0.60; P=.45) and self–efficacy (F1,53=0.24; P=.63) to engage in oral health behaviors, favoring OHT (d=0.28 and d=0.16 for motivation and self–efficacy, respectively). Conclusions The OHT program demonstrated feasibility was well utilized and appealing to the target population and showed promise for efficacy.

scholarly journals An Interactive Parent-Targeted Text Messaging Intervention to Improve Oral Health in Children Attending Urban Pediatric Clinics: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda Borrelli ◽  
Michelle Henshaw ◽  
Romano Endrighi ◽  
William G Adams ◽  
Timothy Heeren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Oral Health Behaviors ◽  
Scale Range

BACKGROUND Effective preventive treatments for dental decay exist, but caries experience among preschoolers has not changed, with marked disparities in untreated decay. Despite near-universal use of SMS text messaging, there are no studies using text messages to improve the oral health of vulnerable children. OBJECTIVE This randomized controlled feasibility trial aimed to test the effects of oral health text messages (OHT) versus a control (child wellness text messages or CWT). OHT was hypothesized to outperform CWT on improving pediatric oral health behaviors and parent attitudes. METHODS Parents with a child aged &lt;7 years were recruited at urban clinics during pediatric appointments (79% [41/52] below poverty line; 66% [36/55] black) and randomized to OHT (text messages on brushing, dental visits, bottle and sippy cups, healthy eating and sugary beverages, and fluoride) or CWT (text messages on reading, safety, physical activity and development, secondhand smoke, and stress) groups. Automated text messages based on Social Cognitive Theory were sent twice each day for 8-weeks. Groups were equivalent on the basis of the number of text messages sent, personalization, interactivity, and opportunity to earn electronic badges and unlock animated characters. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 8 weeks later. Data were analyzed with linear mixed–effects models. RESULTS A total of 55 participants were randomized (28 OHT and 27 CWT). Only one participant dropped out during the text message program and 47 (24 OHT and 23 CWT) completed follow up surveys. Response rates exceeded 68.78% (1040/1512) and overall program satisfaction was high (OHT mean 6.3; CWT mean 6.2; 1-7 scale range). Of the OHT group participants, 84% (21/25) would recommend the program to others. Overall program likeability scores were high (OHT mean 5.90; CWT mean 6.0; 1-7 scale range). Participants reported high perceived impact of the OHT program on brushing their child’s teeth, motivation to address their child's oral health, and knowledge of their child's oral health needs (mean 4.7, 4.6, and 4.6, respectively; 1-5 scale range). At follow up, compared with CWT, OHT group participants were more likely to brush their children’s teeth twice per day (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% CI 0.28-6.50) and demonstrated improved attitudes regarding the use of fluoride (OR 3.82, 95% CI 0.9-16.8) and toward getting regular dental checkups for their child (OR 4.68, 95% CI 0.24-91.4). There were modest, but not significant, changes in motivation (F1,53=0.60; <italic>P</italic>=.45) and self–efficacy (F1,53=0.24; <italic>P</italic>=.63) to engage in oral health behaviors, favoring OHT (<italic>d</italic>=0.28 and <italic>d</italic>=0.16 for motivation and self–efficacy, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The OHT program demonstrated feasibility was well utilized and appealing to the target population and showed promise for efficacy.

scholarly journals The Use of Text Messaging to Improve the Hospital-to-Community Transition in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome (Txt2prevent): Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily S Ross ◽  
Brodie M Sakakibara ◽  
Martha H Mackay ◽  
David GT Whitehurst ◽  
Joel Singer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Study Protocol ◽  
Resource Use ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of hospital admission in North America. Many patients with ACS experience challenges after discharge that impact their clinical outcomes and psychosocial well-being. Text messaging has the potential to provide support to patients during this post-discharge period. OBJECTIVE This study pilot-tested a 60-day text-messaging intervention (Txt2Prevent) for patients with ACS. The primary objective was to compare self-management domains between usual care and usual care plus Txt2Prevent. The secondary objectives were to compare medication adherence, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, and healthcare resource use between groups. The third objective was to assess the feasibility of the study protocol and the acceptability of the intervention. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial with blinding of outcome assessors. We recruited 76 patients with ACS from St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada and randomized them to one of two groups within seven days of discharge. The Txt2Prevent program included automated one-way text messages about follow-up care, self-management and healthy living. Data was collected during the index admission and at 60-days after randomization. The primary outcome was measured with the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ). Other outcomes included the EQ-5D-5L, EQ visual analogue scale, Sullivan Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and self-reported healthcare resource use. Analyses of covariance were used to test the effect of group assignment on follow-up scores (controlling for baseline) and were considered exploratory in nature. Feasibility was assessed with descriptive characteristics of the study protocol. Acceptability was assessed with two survey questions and semi-structured interviews. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for the heiQ domains (adjusted mean difference: health directed activity: –0.13 [95% confidence interval (CI): –0.39-0.13]; positive and active engagement in life: 0.03 [95% CI: –0.19-0.25]; emotional distress: 0.04 [95% CI: –0.22-0.29]; self-monitoring and insight: 0.14 [95% CI: –0.33-0.05]; constructive attitudes and approaches: –0.10 [95% CI: –0.36- 0.17]; skill technique and acquisition: 0.05 [95% CI: –0.18-0.27]; social integration and support: –0.12 [95% CI: –0.34-0.19]; health services navigation: –0.05 [95% CI: –0.29-0.19]). For the secondary outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences in adjusted analyses except in one self-efficacy domain (‘Total Plus’), where the Txt2Prevent group had lower scores (mean difference: –0.36 [95% CI: –0.66 to -0.50]). The study protocol was feasible although recruitment took longer than expected. Over 90% of participants reported they were satisfied with the program. CONCLUSIONS The Txt2Prevent study was feasible to implement; however, although exploratory, there were no differences between the two groups in adjusted analyses except for one self-efficacy domain. As the intervention appeared acceptable, there is potential in using text messages in this context. The design of the intervention may need to be reconsidered to have more impact on outcome measures. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02336919 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/resprot.6968

Recovery Following Peer and Text Messaging Support after Discharge from Acute Psychiatric Care: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Pamela Spurvey ◽  
Rabab M. Abou El-Magd ◽  
Michelle Knox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Usual Condition ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Acute Psychiatric Care

BACKGROUND Peer support (PS) is emotional, social, and practical help that is provided by non-professionals to assist others in sustaining health behaviours. PS is valued in recovery-oriented models of mental health and is becoming implemented increasingly at the organizational level. Text messaging is a relatively low cost, high impact, and easily scalable program that uses existing technology, is devoid of geographic barriers, and is easily accessible to end users. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effect of an innovative peer support system plus supportive text messaging program on the recovery of discharged patients from acute psychiatric care. METHODS This is a prospective, rater-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial, including 180 patients discharged from acute psychiatric care. Patients were randomized to one of four conditions: treatment as usual (follow-up care), daily supportive text messages, peer-support only, or peer-support plus daily supportive text messages. A standardized self-report measure of recovery (Recovery Assessment Scale; RAS) was completed at baseline, six weeks, three months, and six months. Descriptive analysis, One-Way ANOVA, and repeated measures MANCOVA were deployed to examine the changes in RAS among the study groups and over the follow-up time points. RESULTS Sixty-five patients completed assessments at each time-point. For the overall sample, higher scores were found for the peer-support plus text message condition compared to the text message only and treatment as usual condition on several scales (i.e., Willingness to ask for help and Personal Confidence and Hope) and total score on the RAS. CONCLUSIONS Peer support plus supportive text messaging results in improved recovery compared to other interventions. It is advisable to incorporate the two interventions as a part of routine practice for patients with psychiatric disorders upon their hospital discharge. CLINICALTRIAL The study received ethical approval from the Health Ethics Research Board of the University of Alberta (Ref # Pro00078427) and operational approval from the Alberta Health Services regional health authority. All patients provided written informed consent. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (Trial registration number NCT03404882).

scholarly journals Effectiveness of message framing to improve oral health behaviors and dental plaque among pregnant women: a randomized field trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masoumeh Divdar ◽  
Marzieh Araban ◽  
Akbar Babaei Heydarabadi ◽  
Bahman Cheraghian
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Behavioral Intention ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Dental Plaque ◽  
Message Framing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oral Health Behaviors ◽  
Gain And Loss

Abstract Background: Oral health is considered as a prominent factor that contribute to quality of life. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence oral health. Message framing can play an important role in motivating oral health behaviors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of message framing on the oral health behaviors and dental plaque among pregnant women.Methods: This randomized field trial was conducted in 2017 on 108 pregnant women in Izeh county, Iran.The participants were randomly divided into three groups; gain-framed, loss-framed, and control group. The research instrument included a two parts questionnaire containing demographic information and oral health knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, self-efficacy, practice, and dental plaque index. Gain-and loss-framed messages were sent to the intervention groups via cell phones, but the control group did not receive any messages. The participants’ dental plaque were clinically assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version, 23.0. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, and self-efficacy were significantly increased in the gain- and loss-framed intervention groups (gain knowledge (6.05±1.90; CI:5.40-6.71); gain attitude(5.00±3.61; CI:3.75-6.24); gain behavioral intention (2.91±1.59; CI:2.36-3.46); gain self-efficacy (4.42±2.69; CI:3.50-5.35); loss knowledge (5.71±1.52; CI:5.19-6.23); loss attitude (4.54±2.67; CI:3.62-5.46); loss behavioral intention (2.25±1.94; CI:1.58-2.92); loss self-efficacy (3.97±2.60; CI:3.07-4.86) (p<0.001). No significant difference was observed in the control group (knowledge (0.38±1.45; CI:0.12-0.89, p=0.135); attitude (0.88±3.63; CI:0.38-2.14, p= 0.166); behavioral intention (-0.38±1.74; CI: -0.98-0.22, p=0.2); self-efficacy (.0.50±3.23; CI: -1.62-0.62, p=0.37). The rising trend in the mean score of the behaviors in the intervention groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.001). The ratio of dental plaque on teeth surfaces in the gain- and loss-framed intervention groups also showed a significant decrease compared to control group (gain dental plaque (16.46±11.66; CI:12.46-20.47, p<0.001); loss dental plaque (15.06±8.52; CI:12.13-17.99, p<0.001). Conclusion: Text message intervention improved knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, self-efficacy, and dental plaque among pregnant women. The results show that text messages mattered, but the framing did not"; because there was a difference between intervention and control groups but not that "message framing matters" because the particular framing of the messages had no pronounced effect.

The Prevalence and Surface Distribution of Caries among Schoolchildren in Ankara, Turkey According to their Dental Health Behaviors

2007 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 240-245
Author(s):  
Özlem Tuluno lu ◽  
Tezer Ulusu ◽  
Elgin Erdemli Işık ◽  
Melih Tezkirecio lu ◽  
Yasemin Genç
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Caries Prevalence ◽  
Surface Distribution ◽  
Oral Health Behaviors ◽  
Preschool Period ◽  
Hygiene Behavior

The aim of this study was to classify children according to their oral hygiene behaviors at the elementary school, and to evaluate the effects of oral health behaviors on caries prevalence, and to calculate the number of carious teeth and the surface distribution of caries in school children during a 2-year follow-up period. Results shows that even in the presence of the acquisition of appropriate oral hygiene behavior during preschool period, dental professionals and educational system should supported oral health motivation in primary school. Key words: oral health behaviors, caries, prevalence, and surface distribution

scholarly journals Effectiveness of an oral hygiene promoting program for elementary school students using a smartphone endomicroscope in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jintana Sarayuthpitak ◽  
Sarinya Rodpipat ◽  
Sanong Ekgasit ◽  
Dean M. Ravizza
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oral Health Behaviors ◽  
Experimental Group

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of oral hygiene promoting program (OHPP) using a smartphone endomicroscope among students in elementary schools in Bangkok, Thailand, to enable their oral hygiene maintenance and to compare oral health outcomes in the intervention program between the experimental and control groups.Design/methodology/approachThis is a quasi-experimental research study consisting of two groups, a pretest, a posttest and a follow-up design. The student sample consisted of 59 fifth graders who matched the study criteria on medium and low levels of teeth brushing skills. There were 29 experimental group participants who completed the six-week OHPP using a smartphone endomicroscope. Another 30 participants formed the control group involved in the ordinary oral health education program. The comparison data for oral health behaviors (knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP)) and oral hygiene were statistically analyzed by using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).FindingsResults indicated that the experimental group exhibited higher oral health behaviors regarding KAPs and oral hygiene related to teeth cleanliness and gum health than the control group in the postexperimental and follow-up phases. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to tongue cleanliness.Originality/valueThe students maintain their own oral hygiene due to a provision of activities related to KAP concerns. The instrument helped the students to find tooth decay and dental plaque associated with teeth cleanliness after brushing their teeth.

scholarly journals Living with Family Is Directly Associated with Regular Dental Checkup and Indirectly Associated with Gingival Status among Japanese University Students: A 3-Year Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 324
Author(s):  
Momoko Nakahara ◽  
Daisuke Ekuni ◽  
Kota Kataoka ◽  
Aya Yokoi ◽  
Yoko Uchida-Fukuhara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
University Students ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Household Type ◽  
Oral Health Behavior ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Oral Health Behaviors

Although some studies showed that lifestyle was associated with oral health behavior, few studies investigated the association between household type and oral health behavior. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between household type, oral health behavior, and periodontal status among Japanese university students. Data were obtained from 377 students who received oral examinations and self-questionnaires in 2016 and 2019. We assessed periodontal status using the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP), probing pocket depth, oral hygiene status, oral health behaviors, and related factors. We used structural equation modeling to determine the association between household type, oral health behaviors, gingivitis, and periodontitis. At follow-up, 252 students did not live with their families. The mean ± standard deviation of %BOP was 35.5 ± 24.7 at baseline and 32.1 ± 25.3 at follow-up. In the final model, students living with their families were significantly more likely to receive regular dental checkup than those living alone. Regular checkup affected the decrease in calculus. The decrease in calculus affected the decrease in %BOP over 3 years. Living with family was directly associated with regular dental checkups and indirectly contributed to gingival status among Japanese university students.

Teledentistry and mHealth for Promotion and Prevention of Oral Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 002203452110038
Author(s):  
C.E. Fernández ◽  
C.A. Maturana ◽  
S.I. Coloma ◽  
A. Carrasco-Labra ◽  
R.A. Giacaman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Large Reduction ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

The dental profession has experienced a dramatic acceleration in the use of communication systems and information-based technologies over recent years, originating new paradigms for the prevention and promotion of oral health. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of teledentistry-based (telematic) strategies, reported in randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized trials, with a focus on oral health prevention and promotion–related outcomes in patients of all ages. We searched Medline via PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from inception until August 2020, regardless of the language of publication. We selected studies for inclusion and conducted data extraction, assessed risk of bias (Cochrane tool), and evaluated the certainty of the evidence (GRADE approach) in duplicate and independently. Out of 898 potentially eligible references, we selected 43 for full-text screening, of which 19 studies proved eligible: 18 randomized controlled trials and 1 quasi-randomized study. Virtual interventions were mostly asynchronous via apps ( n = 9), text messages ( n = 9), or computer-aided learning ( n = 1). The use of teledentistry as compared with conventional strategies may result in a large reduction in the plaque index (standardized mean difference, −1.18; 95% CI, −1.54 to −0.82; I2 = 92%; low certainty) and will likely result in a large reduction in the gingival index (standardized mean difference, −2.17; 95% CI, −3.15 to −1.19; I2 = 97%; moderate certainty) and in the incidence of white spot lesions (risk ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.66; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty), with an increased effect over time. Evidence suggests that teledentistry, particularly mHealth (messages and apps), is a promising clinical tool for preventing and promoting oral health, especially under the accelerated virtualization of dentistry. Future studies should include a broader spectrum of the population, including adults and elders, to better inform policy and implementation of teledentistry (PROSPERO: CRD42020192685).

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