Randomized controlled trial of a one-minute intervention changing oral self-care behavior

J Dent Res. 2007 Jul;86(7):641-5. doi: 10.1177/154405910708600711.

Abstract

Non-compliance with oral self-care recommendations, despite education and motivation, is a major problem in preventive dentistry. Forming concrete if-then action plans has been successful in changing self-care behavior in other areas of preventive medicine. This is the first trial to test the effects of a brief planning intervention on interdental hygiene behavior. Two hundred thirty-nine participants received a packet of floss, information, and a flossing guide. They were randomly assigned to a control or an intervention group. The intervention took 1.16 minutes and consisted of forming a concrete plan of where, when, and how to floss. Baseline measures and two-week and two-month follow-ups included self-report, residual floss, and theory of planned behavior variables. The intervention significantly affected flossing in that group at two-week and two-month follow-ups, as compared with the control group. This study provides evidence for the effects of a concise intervention on oral self-care behavior.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Dental Devices, Home Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Male
  • Oral Hygiene / education*
  • Oral Hygiene / instrumentation
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Education as Topic