Aim: To test the effectiveness of a person-centred and theory-based educational intervention to increase adolescents 0 adherence to adequate oral hygiene behaviour, that is, self-performed periodontal infection control.Materials and Methods: Data were derived from a prospective, multi-centred, twoarm, quasi-randomized field study in which treatment was performed by dental hygienists (DHs) within the Public Dental Service, Västra Götaland, Sweden. Adolescents with poor oral hygiene conditions were invited to participate. The test intervention was based on cognitive behavioural theory and principles, and the DHs used a collaborative communicative approach, inspired by motivational interviewing. The control intervention consisted of conventional information/instruction. Clinical assessments and oral hygiene behaviours were evaluated at 6 months.Results: Three-hundred and twelve adolescents were enrolled, of whom 274 followed the treatment to 6-month follow-up. There were significant improvements in gingival bleeding and plaque scores for both treatment groups at 6 months, with significantly greater improvements in the test group. Adolescents in the test group brushed their teeth and used interdental cleaning aids more frequently compared to participants in the control group at 6 months. Conclusion:A person-centred and theory-based oral health education programme is more effective than conventional oral health education in improving adolescents' oral hygiene behaviour and periodontal infection control. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02906098).
Objectives: Adequate oral hygiene, that is self-performed infection control, is crucial to prevent periodontal disease. Epidemiological studies reveal poor oral hygiene conditions among Swedish adolescents and indicate a need for more effective prevention programs. The aim of the current study was to analyse adolescents' experiences of a person-centred, theory-based, oral health education program for improved oral hygiene.Methods: Data were obtained by interviewing 19 adolescents treated by dental hygienists in accord with the person-centred education program in a preceding clinical field study (Clini calTr ials.gov NCT02906098). Study participants were selected to reflect a variation of male and female adolescents, treated at clinics in areas with various socio-demographic profiles within Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed with qualitative content analysis.Results: A main theme was identified: 'Adolescents on a guided and challenging journey towards beneficial oral hygiene behavior'. The results elucidate the importance of a person-centred approach in therapy. The adolescents described insight on a personal level about the importance of improved oral hygiene as fundamental for behavioural change. Planning and monitoring of the behaviour, with guidance and support by the dental hygienist, was considered to facilitate change and encouraged further behavioural efforts. However, the adolescents expressed a need of reminders and support to keep up oral hygiene routines over time. Conclusions:The study brings knowledge on factors of importance in educational interventions to increase beneficial health behaviours among adolescents and emphasize areas for further improvements of such interventions.
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