The effect of a brief computer-assisted intervention on oral health-related behaviours among adolescents

Authors

  • A Toratti Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Cariology, Paedodontics and Endodontics, University of Oulu
  • M-L Laitala Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Cariology, Paedodontics and Endodontics, University of Oulu
  • A Kemppainen Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Cariology, Paedodontics and Endodontics, University of Oulu
  • P Pesonen Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Cariology, Paedodontics and Endodontics, University of Oulu
  • V Anttonen Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Cariology, Paedodontics and Endodontics, University of Oulu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.01.04

Keywords:

Adolescent, Computer-assisted, Information technology, Oral health, Oral health promotion, Questionnaire

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this study was to see if a brief, computer-assisted intervention tool could be pleasant to use for adolescents. Another aim was to evaluate if the computer programme could affect adolescents' oral health-related behaviours. METHODS: Study design: For oral health promotion on schoolchildren, a computer-assisted intervention with personal feedback was performed. The effectiveness of the programme on participants' oral health behaviours as well as the feasibility of the programme were evaluated by responses of the participants. The study was conducted on 13–15 year-old schoolchildren (n=112). The computer programme included 19 questions about oral health-related behaviours and it provided personal feedback and tips towards better oral health. Additionally, the participants gave feedback about the programme. After four weeks, the intervention was repeated, the same questions were asked again, and the effect of the intervention on oral health behaviours was evaluated.