Effectiveness of Sign Language-Based Cartoon Oral Health Education Among Hearing-Impaired Children in Damascus City, Syria: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Alemar Ghannam, Louei Nahas, Mayssoon Dashash, Hasan Alzoubi
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Hearing-impaired children face unique communication and learning challenges, requiring tailored oral health education.
Aim: This study assessed the effectiveness of a custom-designed sign language cartoon film in improving oral hygiene knowledge and practices among hearing-impaired children.
Design: A randomized controlled trial included 90 children aged 6-12, divided equally into an intervention group receiving the cartoon-based education and a control group with no intervention. Baseline assessments covered audiometry, plaque and gingival indices, and oral health knowledge/practices via questionnaire. Follow-ups occurred at 6 and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests.
Results: Baseline variables showed no significant group differences (p > 0.05). Postintervention, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher oral health knowledge (12.38 ± 1.14 vs. 1.64 ± 1.17; p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 9.3). At 12 weeks, plaque (0.34 ± 0.40 vs. 2.21 ± 0.53; p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 3.98) and gingival index scores (0.10 ± 0.28 vs. 1.86 ± 0.54; p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 4.09) were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the controls.
Conclusions: Sign language cartoon films effectively enhance oral hygiene knowledge and practices in hearing-impaired children, highlighting the value of inclusive, innovative health education methods for this underserved group.
背景:听力受损儿童面临着独特的沟通和学习挑战,需要针对性的口腔健康教育。目的:本研究评估特制的手语卡通电影对提高听障儿童口腔卫生知识和行为的效果。设计:随机对照试验纳入90名6-12岁儿童,平均分为接受卡通教育的干预组和不进行干预的对照组。基线评估包括听力测量、牙菌斑和牙龈指数,以及通过问卷调查的口腔健康知识/实践。随访时间分别为6周和12周。数据分析采用非参数检验。结果:各组基线变量差异无统计学意义(p < 0.05)。干预后,干预组口腔卫生知识水平显著高于干预组(12.38±1.14 vs. 1.64±1.17);p结论:手语卡通电影有效提高了听障儿童口腔卫生知识和实践水平,突出了包容性、创新性健康教育方法对这一服务不足群体的价值。
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry was formed in 1991 by the merger of the Journals of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry and is published bi-monthly. It has true international scope and aims to promote the highest standard of education, practice and research in paediatric dentistry world-wide.
International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry publishes papers on all aspects of paediatric dentistry including: growth and development, behaviour management, diagnosis, prevention, restorative treatment and issue relating to medically compromised children or those with disabilities. This peer-reviewed journal features scientific articles, reviews, case reports, clinical techniques, short communications and abstracts of current paediatric dental research. Analytical studies with a scientific novelty value are preferred to descriptive studies. Case reports illustrating unusual conditions and clinically relevant observations are acceptable but must be of sufficiently high quality to be considered for publication; particularly the illustrative material must be of the highest quality.