Effectiveness of Sign Language-Based Cartoon Oral Health Education Among Hearing-Impaired Children in Damascus City,
Alemar Ghannam1, Louei Nahas2, Mayssoon Dashash1
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Damascus, Damascus, Syria.
Background:
Hearing-impaired children face unique communication and learning challenges, requiring tailored oral health education.
Aim:
This study assessed the effectiveness of a custom-designed sign language cartoon film in improving oral hygiene knowledge and practices among hearing-impaired children.
Design:
A randomized controlled trial included 90 children aged 6-12, divided equally into an intervention group receiving the cartoon-based education and a control group with no intervention. Baseline assessments covered audiometry, plaque and gingival indices, and oral health knowledge/practices via questionnaire. Follow-ups occurred at 6 and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests.
Results:
Baseline variables showed no significant group differences (p > 0.05). Postintervention, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher oral health knowledge (12.38 ± 1.14 vs. 1.64 ± 1.17; p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 9.3). At 12 weeks, plaque (0.34 ± 0.40 vs. 2.21 ± 0.53; p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 3.98) and gingival index scores (0.10 ± 0.28 vs. 1.86 ± 0.54; p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 4.09) were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the controls.
Conclusions:
Sign language cartoon films effectively enhance oral hygiene knowledge and practices in hearing-impaired children, highlighting the value of inclusive, innovative health education methods for this underserved group.
