A salutogenic mobile health application for adolescent oral health: development and feasibility study

The health model of salutogenesis, has the potential to develop and implement digital health interventions, many of which are focused on self-care. Sense of coherence and generalized resistance resources are two key concepts of the health model of salutogenesis. The aim of this study was to develop and analyze the feasibility of the use of a mobile application based on salutogenic features to support oral health promotion among adolescents.

A mixed method was used to develop the "MyMouth" mobile application. The content and functions of the mobile app were developed by triangulation of evidence synthesized from key informant interviews, a literature review, and findings of a cross-sectional survey. The usability of the app was tested among a group of experts before the feasibility analysis. The feasibility of using the app was evaluated based on a single-arm feasibility study using a quasi-experimental pre-post design conducted among a convenient sample of 33, fifteen-year-old adolescents. The feasibility analysis was carried out based on five primary outcomes and three secondary outcomes over a period of six weeks. Data for the feasibility study were collected through an online questionnaire and telephone interviews. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

The "MyMouth" mobile app consisted of several elements that included salutogenic features. Of the 33 students, 48% had installed the developed mobile application, but 18% were not aware of its existence. Most of the participants strongly agreed/ agreed with all the items that assessed two process indicators namely satisfaction and fidelity regarding the app. The main limitations of its use were errors encountered when installing the app and lack of time to use it routinely.

The "MyMouth" mobile application should be tested in a main trial to assess its effectiveness in improving oral health through sense of coherence among school-going adolescents after rectifying errors elicited during the feasibility study.