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

• Main Authors: George Kitsaras (Author), Juliana Gomez (Author), Richard Hogan (Author), Maria Ryan (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Nature Publishing Group, 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1038/s41405-023-00166-4; 2056-807X
• Keywords: Dentistry; RK1-715
• Source: BDJ Open, Vol 9, Iss 1, Pp 1-7 (2023)

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.