Changes in COHRQoL: the effect of a school-based intervention

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based fluoride toothpaste intervention to increase child oral health-related quality of life (COHRQoL). Methods: 245 Belfast and 138 Dublin children were invited to take part in a controlled trial and to complete a COHRQoL questionnaire at baseline and 12 month follow-up. Of the invited children 194 attended intervention schools and received the oral health intervention. The data were analysed using a conditional modelling approach. Results: The overall response rate at baseline was 75% (287) and was 64% (247) at 12 month follow-up. 238 children completed the questionnaire at baseline and at 12 month follow-up. Increases in COHRQoL mean scores were noted at 12 months independent of baseline level and location effects. The effect of the experimental intervention, however, was non-significant (P=0.09). Greater mean scores for COHRQoL subscale 1: oral health status awareness (P=0.06) and COHRQoL subscale 2: oral and social self-image (P=0.07) were shown at 12 months independent of baseline level and location effects. The effect of the experimental intervention was non-significant. There was no effect of experimental intervention for COHRQoL subscale 3: social confidence and well-being (P=0.67). Conclusions: Although the increases in mean scores for COHRQoL, oral health status awareness and oral and social self-image at 12 month follow-up were non-significant these findings, nevertheless, suggest a positive trend with regard to the effect of a school-based oral health promotion intervention to modify COHRQoL in participating children.

Funded by R+D DHSSPS.NI: COM/1637/01 and Dental Health Foundation, Ireland