Effectiveness of social media based oral health promotion programme among 18-20 year old city college students - A comparative study.

BACKGROUND

Communication plays a vital role in breaking down barriers between the patient and dental health professional, thereby strengthening treatment alliance. The proliferation of modes, speed of communication and reflexivity of knowledge have implications for health promotion.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of social media-based oral health promotion programme in improving oral health among 18-20-year-old college students in Chennai city.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The interventional study consisted of college students between 18-20 years in Chennai city. A total of 140 participants with an allocation ratio of 1:1 were randomly assigned to the intervention and control group. Oral health education was provided to all the students using various oral health education aids. Status of participants for WhatsApp addiction, oral health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) and oral health status (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index [OHI-S] and Modified Gingival Index [MGI]) were assessed. The intervention was given to the interventional group through WhatsApp using pictures, videos and text messages at first, second and third months. Follow up examinations were carried out for both the groups at the first, third and sixth month. Independent sample t-test to compare the mean values and Chi-Square to compare proportions between groups were used.

RESULTS

Statistically significant difference was seen in OHI-S [Mean- 2.52 (T0) to 0.77 (T3) P 0.001] and MGI [Mean- 1.58 (T0) to 0.58 (T3) P 0.001] scores among the intervention group. The percentage change in the KAP score from baseline to sixth month was comparatively higher among the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention given through the WhatsApp application significantly improved the oral health status and KAP among its users.