IADR Abstract Archives
Parent-Targeted Text Messages to Improve Oral Health Among High-Risk Children
Objectives: Objective: 85% of adults text-message (TM). This is a pilot randomized trial testing initial effects of oral health text messages (OHT) vs. control (child wellness text messages; CWT). OHT was hypothesized to outperform CWT on improving pediatric oral health behaviors and parent attitudes.
Methods: Methods: Parents with a child <7 years were recruited at urban clinics during pediatric appointments (79%Results: Results: Only one participant dropped-out. TM response rates (74.3%), follow-up survey completion rates (84.5%) and program satisfaction (M=6.3; 1-7 scale) were high, with no significant group differences. 84% of OHT would recommend the program, and reported that TMs were relevant to their family (M=6.3, 1-7 scale), and impacted brushing their child’s teeth, motivation to brush, and their oral health knowledge (M=4.7, M=4.6, M=4.6, respectively; 1-5 scales). Reduction in cariogenic food/drinks favored OHT (Cohen’s d=0.23). At follow-up, compared to CWT, OHT were more likely to brush their children’s teeth 2x/day (OR=1.4; 95%CI=0.3, 6.5) and improved in their: 1) self-efficacy to promote oral health behaviors in their children (Cohen’s d=0.20), 2) belief that limiting sugary foods/drinks helps prevent cavities (OR=1.68;95% CI=0.23-11.86), belief that baby teeth can develop cavities (OR=1.98; 95% CI=0.54-7.18), and belief in the importance of fluoride toothpaste (OR=3.82; 95%CI=0.9-16.8; p=.07).
Conclusions: Conclusions: As hypothesized, group differences were not significant, but the direction of effects favored OHT. The program was well-utilized, appealing to parents, and shows promise.
Methods: Methods: Parents with a child <7 years were recruited at urban clinics during pediatric appointments (79%
Conclusions: Conclusions: As hypothesized, group differences were not significant, but the direction of effects favored OHT. The program was well-utilized, appealing to parents, and shows promise.