Acceptability of a Mobile Application in Children's Oral Health Promotion-A Pilot Study

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the acceptability of an oral health-related mobile application developed for young children based on the feedback given by the children and their parents. Another aim was to evaluate the self-reported change in children's oral health behaviors duri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2021-03, Vol.18 (6), p.3256
Main Authors: Rasmus, Kirsi, Toratti, Antti, Karki, Saujanya, Pesonen, Paula, Laitala, Marja-Liisa, Anttonen, Vuokko
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acceptability
Adults
Age groups
Applications programs
Brushing
Caregivers
Cell phones
Cellular telephones
Child
Child, Preschool
Children
Children & youth
Dental caries
Gender
Health Behavior
Health Promotion
Humans
Hygiene
Kindergarten
Mobile Applications
Mobile communications networks
Oral Health
Oral hygiene
Pilot Projects
Preschool education
Questionnaires
Responsible persons
Routines
Smartphones
Teeth
Text messaging
Toothbrushing
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Summary:The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the acceptability of an oral health-related mobile application developed for young children based on the feedback given by the children and their parents. Another aim was to evaluate the self-reported change in children's oral health behaviors during a short test period. The application-a virtual pet integrated into a child's daily routines-aimed to promote oral hygiene and dietary behaviors in children. A total of 36 4-12-year-old voluntary children were given a mobile phone with the installed application. After the 5-week testing period, the feasibility of the application and possible changes in the children's oral health behaviors were asked using an electronic questionnaire. Most of the children considered the application clear (n = 34), amusing (n = 31), and useful (n = 29). The children's tooth brushing manners improved both qualitatively and quantitatively: the time used for tooth brushing increased and the children learned how to brush different tooth surfaces. Mobile applications can be fun and useful in oral health promotion; while playing, children can learn good oral health-related behaviors. Mobile applications integrate oral health promotion into children's daily environment and routines.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph18063256