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Preventive

161 - Comic Book Instruction and Functional Oral Health Literacy in Children

Friday, May 24, 2024
11:30 AM – 11:40 AM EST
Location: Exhibit Hall (back left corner of the hall, space 137)

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Subeena Thomas, DMD

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    Libertyville, Illinois, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • DA

    David Avenetti, DDS, MSD, MPH

    University of Illinois at Chicago

  • JY

    Judy Yuan, DDS, MS

    University of Illinois at Chicago

  • BD

    Bhakti Desai, DMD, MS

    University of Illinois at Chicago

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • CS

    Cortino Sukotjo, DDS, PhD

    Associate Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Director of Pre-Doctoral Implant Clinic
    University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Restorative Dentistry
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Brittaney J. Hill, DDS, MS, MPH

    Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director, Department of Pediatric Dentistry
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

Abstract:



Purpose: The aim of this randomized control study was to compare the effectiveness of comic book instruction on functional oral health literacy for children and caregivers in Chicago, IL. 




Methods: Children (7 - 12 years old) due for recall were recruited for this pilot study. Children and caregivers dyads were randomly assigned to the control group (verbal instruction only) or intervention (use of comic book) group. Plaque disclosing solution was used to measure baseline plaque levels. Caregivers and patients completed a survey before and after reading the oral health instruction comic book. Participants will return for a 6-month recall to assess oral health information retention and plaque levels as a measure of improved functional oral health literacy. Data was analyzed using univariate and bivariate statistics (Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney U tests) with α = 0.05. 




Results: Sixty one dyads (average child age 9.66 years ± 1.64 years) were enrolled and randomized. Thirty dyads were assigned to the intervention group, and 31 dyads were assigned to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in oral health knowledge following use of comic book instruction at the baseline visit. Overall, positive changes in oral health beliefs were observed for caregivers with respect to diet and for children with respect to appropriate oral hygiene practices. 




Conclusion: Comic book oral health instruction demonstrated greater effectiveness in positively influencing oral health beliefs. At 6-month recall, plaque levels and oral health knowledge will be re-evaluated to assess sustained improvement in oral health beliefs.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: N/A