An investigation into the value and relevance of oral health promotion leaflets for young adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if oral health promotion leaflets of a novel design and content would be read by, acceptable to and influence 11-12-year-old children.


METHODS
Three related leaflets were incorporated into a dental health education programme aimed at 11-12-year-old children. The leaflets were designed specifically, following consultation with focus groups. They had a romantic story line and emphasised the immediate gains from good dental health, relevant to this age group. A random sample of pupils completed a written questionnaire on the impact of the leaflets at the end of the one-year programme. These sample pupils underwent a clinical examination to measure plaque before and after the programme.


RESULTS
2,678 pupils with a mean age of 12.1 years participated in the programme. 895 were randomly selected to join the assessment study. Most pupils 81%, (725) reported they had read the leaflets; 61% (442) finding them enjoyable to read, 51% (370) attractive to look at and 71% (515) finding the story lines interesting. However, girls appreciated the leaflets more than the boys. There was some suggestion that the leaflets played a positive role in the overall success of the programme in that most pupils 83% (602) reported they thought more about caring for their teeth after reading the leaflets and 58% reported their brushing frequency had increased.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that for adolescents, leaflets which feature interpersonal relationships are well accepted and can stimulate better oral health behaviour.
Redmond
C A
CA
University Dental Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Hamilton
F A
FA
Kay
E J
EJ
Worthington
H V
HV
Blinkhorn
A S
AS
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000379:methods; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D010174:Pamphlets; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing