E-learning or educational leaflet: does it make a difference in oral health promotion? A clustered randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Public Health
• Health Education

Background:

• Technological advancements prompt investigation into their use for improving child healthcare.
• This study addresses the need to evaluate traditional versus digital educational methods for children's oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of traditional educational leaflets versus e-learning applications in enhancing oral health knowledge, oral hygiene, and gingival health among schoolchildren in Damascus, Syria.
• To assess the impact of different educational modalities on clinical oral health indicators.

Main Methods:

• A clustered randomized controlled trial was conducted in two primary schools involving approximately 220 schoolchildren aged 10-11 years.
• Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving education via leaflets and the other via an e-learning program.
• Oral health knowledge, plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI) were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using questionnaires and clinical examinations.

Main Results:

• The leaflet group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in oral health knowledge at 6 and 12 weeks compared to the e-learning group.
• Both groups showed significant reductions in PI and GI from baseline, but the leaflet group exhibited significantly lower plaque levels and better gingival health at both follow-up points.
• The mean knowledge gain from baseline was higher in the leaflet cluster.

Conclusions:

• Traditional educational leaflets are effective in improving oral health knowledge and clinical outcomes (oral hygiene and gingival health) in Syrian schoolchildren.
• School-based oral health education programs utilizing leaflets can achieve positive results and are a viable educational tool.