The effect of mass media campaigns on oral health knowledge: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

ObjectivesKnowledge and awareness gained from mass media can prepare people for lifestyle changes and impact their health and well‐being. Considering the differences in the results of primary studies, we decided to conduct this study to evaluate the effect of mass media campaigns on oral health knowledge as a systematic meta‐analysis and review.MethodThe databases such as the Web of Sciences (ISI), Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched systematically until February 2022. Data pooling was performed using a random effects model. The effect sizes were estimated as odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additional analyses, including sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses, were also conducted.ResultsOur meta‐analysis comprised a total number of seven articles. The pooled results indicated significant increases in oral health knowledge among included studies (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.20–2.24, p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, the effects of mass media campaigns on oral health knowledge remained significant for the studies with follow‐up of less than 150 weeks (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.49–1.91) and working‐age populations (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.40–2.32) compared to other categories.ConclusionIn general, this study showed that mass media campaigns may have positive effects on oral health knowledge, especially in the working‐age population; it seems that for improving health knowledge among children, more initiatives are needed. Besides, the effects of these campaigns seem to be time‐dependent and higher in shorter follow‐up periods.