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Oral Health Education through Social Media Influencers: A Child-centered Experimental Study
1Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Background:
Innovative methods for oral health education (OHE) are needed to engage children in preventive dental behavior. Social media influencers have emerged as powerful tools in shaping children's attitudes.
Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of OHE delivered through social media influencers in improving oral hygiene knowledge and practices among children aged 8-12 years.
Materials And Methods:
A parallel-group experimental study was conducted among 100 children (50 in control group and 50 in intervention group) in urban Bhubaneswar schools. The intervention group viewed a series of oral health videos delivered by a child-friendly social media influencer across 4 weeks, whereas the control group received standard education. Pre- and postintervention oral health knowledge was assessed through questionnaire. Clinical oral hygiene status was recorded using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index-Score (OHI-S).
Results:
The intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge scores (pre: 5.1 ± 1.8, post: 8.4 ± 1.2, P < 0.001) and better oral hygiene outcomes (OHI-S reduced from 2.4 to 1.2). The control group showed minimal change.
Conclusion:
Social media influencer-led OHE was effective in improving both knowledge and hygiene among children. Such digital strategies can enhance conventional health education methods in pediatric settings.
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