Effectiveness of Animated Video Media in Enhancing Oral Health Knowledge Among Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Children with intellectual disabilities often face lower oral healthcare knowledge levels than their typically developing peers. This disparity arises from intellectual limitations and adaptive functioning challenges. Effective educational tools are crucial to improving the oral health knowledge of children with intellectual disabilities, and one such tool is animated video media. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design, with a purposive sample of 32 respondents. The independent variable was the delivery of oral health education through animated video media, while the dependent variable was the knowledge of oral health maintenance. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis involved the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Mann-Whitney test. Result: Prior to the educational intervention using animated video media, the average knowledge score regarding oral health maintenance was 4.06. Following the intervention, the average score significantly increased to 9.62. Additionally, the distribution of the difference between the treatment and control groups in terms of oral health knowledge showed a mean difference of 24.25 compared to 8.75. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the treatment and control groups (P=0.000). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of animated video media in significantly improving oral health knowledge among children with intellectual disabilities. The findings underscore the potential of multimedia educational tools to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance oral health outcomes in this vulnerable population.