Comic Book Education and Functional Oral Health Literacy

The aim of this randomized control study was to compare the effectiveness of comic book instruction on oral health literacy for children and their caregivers in Chicago, IL. Children, 7 - 12 years old, due for a cleaning and exam were recruited. Children and caregivers were randomly assigned to a control group (verbal instruction only) or intervention (use of comic book). Plaque disclosing solution was completed to identify plaque levels. Following a pre-test survey, the parent and participant read the comic book together. Following the cleaning, the parent and participant took a post-test survey. At 6 month follow-up, plaque levels will be re-evaluated. Primary outcomes were O’Leary’s plaque disclosing and survey responses. The survey aimed to evaluate the oral health belief and literacy of both the child and parent. Responses from both groups were assessed and compared. Sixty one children (average age of 9.66 years) (Male =59%) were enrolled and randomized. Thirty subjects and caregivers were assigned to intervention and thirty one subjects and caregivers were assigned to control. For all questionnaire responses, p-values were not statistically significant between survey responses of control and intervention groups (p > 0.05). These findings suggest intervention did not lead to statistically significant changes in the measured parameters at visit. Final data is pending. The guidance provided through comic book instructions demonstrated greater effectiveness in enhancing the oral health beliefs of subjects. At 6 month follow-up, plaque levels will be re-evaluated to assess long-term change in oral health beliefs.