Recruiting rural dentally-avoidant adolescents into an intervention study
P Weinstein1, T Coolidge, C A Raff
1Dental Public Health Sciences. Box 357475. University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA. philw@u.washington.edu
Summary
Engaging rural adolescents in dental care interventions proved challenging, with low enrollment rates. Older rural individuals showed greater interest in seeking dental care, suggesting alternative recruitment strategies are needed.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Dental Public Health
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Adolescents, particularly those in rural areas, often exhibit dental avoidance.
- Low dental attendance rates among adolescents pose significant oral health challenges.
- Interventions to improve dental care utilization in this demographic are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test an intervention aimed at increasing dental attendance in rural, dentally-avoidant adolescents.
- To identify and recruit eligible adolescents for an oral health intervention study.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design involving dental examinations of junior and senior high school students in rural Washington State.
- Screening of emancipated adolescents and young adults at local college and health departments.
- Offered enrollment in a study comparing two dental care decision-making programs.
Main Results:
- Low enrollment (6%) among eligible high school adolescents (23/357).
- Higher enrollment (67%) among eligible emancipated adolescents and young adults (24/36).
- Minimal parental response (3 families) to follow-up assistance for severe caries.
Conclusions:
- Engaging adolescents in oral health and interventions is difficult.
- Older rural individuals may be more motivated or better equipped to overcome dental care barriers.
- Alternative strategies are necessary for recruiting dentally-avoidant adolescents.
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