Clinical Trial: Oral Health Literacy Tailored Communication

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Effects of Communication Tailored to Oral Health Literacy Level of Adult Dental Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Brief Summary:

The purpose of this study to investigate attitude, oral health literacy and psychological factors in order to evaluate if these factors are important for oral health in adults.

The hypotheses are:

  • Multiple interactive demographic, and social and psychological factors contribute to the level of attitude and oral health literacy.
  • There is an association between the level of oral health literacy and oral health status
  • A structured intervention based on oral health literacy can change the attitude and improve the oral health status.
  • Background knowledge has influence on attitude and oral health literacy
  • Individuals with positive attitude towards dental health and dentist are attentive towards their oral health.

Detailed Summary:

This study will be conducted in two stages. The first stage includes a baseline cross-sectional investigation. Oral health literacy level will be assessed by conducting a structured interview. Background variables, attitude, socioeconomic factors and psychological factors shall be assessed using self-administered questionnaires. A clinical examination will be conducted including general health information and extended oral health examination. The oral health examination performed includes record of oral hygiene status such as dental caries and periodontal status. An assessment of oral bacteria will also be performed.

The second stage will be carried out approximately 6 months after starting with the baseline investigation. At that time a modified version of the questionnaires will be used followed by a shorter clinical examination. The modified questionnaires at the second data collection exclude some background variables. The clinical examination carried out during this time will be on dental plaque and bleeding index and the level of oral bacteria.


Sponsor: University of Tromso

Current Primary Outcome: Gingival Index [ Time Frame: 6 months after intervention ]

The gingival index of the individual was obtained by adding the values of each tooth (an average of 4 scores) and dividing by number of teeth examined with the resulting scores as follows 0.1-1.0 = mild inflammation; 1.1-2.0 = moderate inflammation; 2.1-3.0 = severe inflammation. The GI reference is Löe and Silness, 1963.


Original Primary Outcome:

  • Oral Health [ Time Frame: 6 months after intervention ]
    DMFT/DFS index; plaque index; calculus index; periodontal status; Streptococci Mutans; Lactobacilli
  • Psychological factors [ Time Frame: 6 months after intervention ]
    Self-image; attachment style; Alexithymia;stress; dental anxiety


Current Secondary Outcome: Plaque Index [ Time Frame: 6 months after intervention ]

The plaque index of the individual was obtained by adding the values of each tooth (an average of 4 scores) and dividing by number of teeth examined with the resulting scores as follows 0.1-1.0 = low accumulation of plaque; 1.1-2.0 = Moderate accumulation of plaque; 2.1-3.0 = high accumulation of plaque.

The Plaque index reference is Silness and Löe, 1964.



Original Secondary Outcome: Attitudes [ Time Frame: 6 months after intervention ]

attitudes torward oral health and oral hygiene


Information By: University of Tromso

Dates:
Date Received: April 28, 2010
Date Started: June 2010
Date Completion:
Last Updated: March 26, 2015
Last Verified: March 2015