Effectiveness of Game-Based Oral Health Education Method on Oral Hygiene Performance of 12-Year-Old Private School Children in Lucknow City

Abstract

Background: Health education is a part of health promotion and disease prevention measures to improve the oral health and well-being of all children. When education and entertainment are combined to make the process of learning a joyful one, it facilitates and reinforces child's learning in a thought-provoking and self-motivating format. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of conventional and game-based oral health education on oral hygiene performance of 12-year-old private school children of Lucknow city. Materials and Methods: The study population aged 12 years comprised 160 participants. This was followed by a school survey in which the 12-year-old school children were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A and Group B after the necessary inclusion and exclusion criteria. A pretest evaluation of their knowledge regarding oral health and the estimation of debris index simplified and plaque index was carried out. Children in Group A were given oral health education through PowerPoint presentation once daily for 7 days. Children in Group B were educated through the play method (i.e., crosswords and quiz with PowerPoint presentation). The evaluations regarding oral health-related knowledge were done using pretested, predetermined questionnaire, and debris scores, and plaque scores were recorded using debris index simplified component of OHI-S by (J. C Green and Jack R Vermillion 1964) and Plaque Index by Loe H (1967), respectively, on postintervention 1, 3, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was done using the t-test and ANOVA test which was carried out using the SPSS software version 21.0 for Windows, and the value ofP< 0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: In Group B, high knowledge scores of 4.05, 4.73, and 6.02 were obtained on postintervention 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. In both the groups, there was a significant increase in good oral hygiene scores and a significant decrease in debris scores and plaque scores on postintervention 1, 3, and 6 months' follow-up, but much better scores were seen in group B compared to Group A at both the follow-ups. Conclusion: As the knowledge scores of children increased and debris score and plaque score decreased considerably, thereby the implementation of game-based oral health education program is an easy and effective method in improving the oral health and preventing oral diseases.

Effectiveness of a Visual Interactive Game on Oral Hygiene Knowledge, Practices, and Clinical Parameters among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…There was a significant increase in the knowledge scores in the IGVP group compared to the control group. These findings were in accordance with previous studies by Kashyap et al [ 10 ], which showed that game-based education (i.e., crosswords and quiz with a PowerPoint presentation) proved very effective in improving oral health knowledge. Our findings are in accordance with those of Sharma et al [ 19 ], Malik et al [ 3 ], and Maheswari et al [ 20 ], who used game-based OHE to improve knowledge, health behaviour, and practices.…”

“…Improved plaque scores were sustained over a three month period, proving that the effects of the IGVP learning technique persisted over time. This finding agreed with studies conducted by Kashyap et al [ 10 ] and Malik et al [ 3 ], which showed that implementing crossword and quiz game-based OHE programmes resulted in a significant decrease in plaque scores. Similarly, Aljafari et al [ 28 ] reported that implementing video game-based OHE programmes resulted in a significant decrease in plaque scores.…”

“…The sample size for the study was estimated using the GPower program (G*Power Version 3.1.9.4 statistical software). The sample size was estimated to be 40 children in each group, accounting for a total sample size of 80 at a power of 0.80 with a 0.05 alpha error [ 10 ]. Hence, to increase the statistical power and take into consideration lost participants during follow-up, it was decided to enroll 100 children in total, with 50 children in each group.…”

Effectiveness of theory-based educational interventions of promoting oral health among elementary school students

“…According to the study results, the interventions affected the plaque index, OHI-S, and CPI. Several studies conducted in different societies have shown the effectiveness of oral health education in reducing dental plaque and improving oral health in students [ 38 – 40 ]. Studies show that brushing and flossing are simple and effective ways to control dental plaque and improve oral health [ 41 ].…”