Evaluation of a digital oral health intervention (Know Your OQ™) to enhance knowledge, attitudes and practices related to oral health

George Kitsaras PhD MPH MSc FHEA AFBPsS CPsychol, Juliana Gomez Bulla, Richard Hogan, Maria Ryan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective/Aim
Optimal oral health behaviours are crucial to avoid preventable dental diseases and maintain good oral health. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of a digital oral health intervention (Know Your OQ™) in changing knowledge, attitudes and practices related to oral health.

Materials & methods
Two studies were conducted with a total of 296 healthy adults. Demographic data as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) related to oral health were collected before and after completion of the Know Your OQ™ intervention. The KAPs questionnaire included 19 multiple choice questions. Comprehension and feedback were also collected.

Results
In total, 134 (45%) male and 162 (55%) female participants completed the two studies. Across both studies, 5 out of 7 knowledge questions and 2 out of 5 attitude questions showed significant changes pre/post-intervention with participants increasing their knowledge and improving their attitudes towards oral health. Only 1 practice changed in the first study, however, in the second study, 4 out of 7 practice questions showed significant changes pre/post-intervention. Comprehensibility was high across both studies with overall, positive feedback on the intervention.

Conclusion
A digital oral health intervention was successful in increasing knowledge, changing attitudes and self-reported practices with regards to oral health in a diverse sample of the US population.
Original languageEnglish
Article number40
JournalBDJ Open
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Aug 2023

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