NCT07055932

Interactive School-Based Oral Health Education Program to Reduce Periodontal Disease in Palestinian Adolescents

Effectiveness of an Interactive School-Based Oral Health Education Program in Reducing Periodontal Disease Among Palestinian Adolescents: A Double-Blinded Intervention Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 946 (actual)
• Sponsor: Al-Quds University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 15 Years – 16 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this intervention study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a two-month interactive school-based oral health education program in reducing periodontal disease and improving oral health behaviors among 15-year-old schoolchildren in Nablus, Palestine. The study was guided by the following hypotheses: * The interactive education program would lead to a significant reduction in Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN) and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (S-OHI) scores. * The program would result in significant improvements in oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and smoking behaviors compared to standard oral health education. Researchers compared students who received six interactive oral health sessions over two months to those who received a single standard oral health lecture, to determine whether the intervention group experienced greater improvements in periodontal status and self-reported health behaviors. Participants: * Completed self-administered questionnaire assessing oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and smoking behaviors * Underwent clinical periodontal examinations using CPITN and S-OHI indices * Participated in oral health education sessions (intervention group only)

Detailed description

This completed clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of an interactive, school-based oral health education program in improving periodontal health and associated behaviors among 9th-grade students in Nablus City, Palestine. The study employed a double-blind, pre-test/post-test experimental design involving 946 students (536 intervention, 410 control) from 15 schools selected through stratified random sampling. Baseline data collection occurred in March 2024 and included clinical assessments using the Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN) and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (S-OHI), along with a validated 47-item questionnaire measuring oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and smoking behaviors. Following randomization by school, the intervention group received six interactive oral health education sessions, while the control group attended one standard lecture. Follow-up assessments took place two months later. Two levels of blinding were implemented: participants were unaware of group assignment, and outcome assessors were blinded during clinical evaluations. The educational program combined audiovisual materials, live demonstrations, group discussions, and hands-on practice focused on oral anatomy, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, smoking harms, and nutrition. Primary outcomes included changes in CPITN and S-OHI scores. Secondary outcomes addressed self-reported improvements in oral hygiene, dietary behaviors, and smoking habits. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with paired and independent t-tests applied to evaluate within- and between-group differences. The findings indicated significant improvements in the intervention group across all primary and secondary outcomes. These results support the program's effectiveness in enhancing periodontal health and related behaviors among adolescents through interactive, school-based education.

Conditions

• Periodontal Diseases

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	"Interactive Oral Health Education Program"	The interactive program in this study is distinguished by its multi-modal, hands-on approach and its sustained, bi-weekly delivery over two months, whereas most other school-based interventions rely on a single lecture or short-term animation. Specifically, our program: Combines interactive lectures with live demonstrations (brushing/flossing on models), group discussions, and educational puzzles to reinforce learning through active participation rather than passive listening. Uses anatomical tooth-and-gum replicas alongside PowerPoint slides and photographs to bridge theory and practice within each 30-45-minute session. Addresses periodontal risk factors (e.g., smoking, diet) in dedicated sessions, integrating behavioural change techniques (e.g., problem-solving brainstorming, personalized feedback) rather than focusing solely on plaque removal. Is delivered in six sessions (one every 10 days) to maximize retention and allow for iterative skill practice, unlike brief "brush-along"

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-03-01
• Primary completion: 2024-04-01
• Completion: 2024-05-30
• First posted: 2025-07-09
• Last updated: 2025-07-09

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Palestinian Territories