The Effect of Peer Video Modeling and 3D Jaw Video Modeling Training on Oral Health and Toothbrushing Skills in Children With Autism

Summary

This study was conducted to improve the oral hygiene habits of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to compare the effects of peer video modeling and three-dimensional (3D) jaw model simulation methods. The research was carried out at Istanbul Hamit Ibrahimiye Special Education Practice School with a randomized controlled experimental design, involving 120 children aged 6-12 years. The participants were divided into three groups: peer video modeling, 3D jaw model simulation, and control. Data collection tools included a sociodemographic information form, oral and dental health knowledge form, plaque index, gingival index and tooth brushing evaluation forms. The study was evaluated based on assessments conducted at baseline, 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month.

The findings of the study revealed that the peer video modeling method significantly reduced the plaque index (p \< 0.05) and led to a notable improvement in tooth brushing skills. The improvement observed in the 3D jaw model simulation group was more limited. In terms of long-term effects, peer video modeling was found to have a lasting impact on children's oral hygiene habits (p \< 0.01). These results indicate that peer video modeling is particularly more effective in promoting tooth brushing habits among children with ASD.

In conclusion, peer video modeling appears to be a more effective method for oral and dental health education in children with ASD. Future studies should examine its long-term effects in more detail across different age groups. In addition, developing guideline materials for parents and educators may be beneficial.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD
• Dental Health
• Oral Hygiene, Oral Health
• Pediatric Nursing

Interventions

OTHER

Peer video modeling

After obtaining written parental consent and demographic data, the study protocol is implemented. Oral examinations are conducted in the school infirmary by a pediatric dentist, under the researcher's supervision, using disposable materials. The number of teeth, caries and fillings, plaque index scores, and gingival health are recorded. Children and their parents then watch a 14-step toothbrushing instructional video in a separate classroom, in which a healthy 12-year-old boy demonstrates proper brushing behaviors with verbal instructions. Following the video, children practice brushing using a mirror and materials provided by the researcher. Performance is assessed using a 14-step tool scored from 0 to 3, and parents receive individualized feedback. For the peer video modeling group, a WhatsApp group is created, and parents are instructed to show the video daily before brushing. Assessments are conducted at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months using plaque and gingival indices.

OTHER

3D jaw video modeling

After obtaining written parental consent and demographic data, the study protocol is implemented. Oral examinations are conducted in the school infirmary by a pediatric dentist under researcher supervision using disposable materials. The number of teeth, caries and fillings, plaque index scores, and gingival health are recorded. Children and their parents then watch a 14-step toothbrushing instructional video in a separate classroom, in which a 3D jaw model demonstrates proper brushing behaviors with verbal instructions. Following the video, children practice brushing using a mirror and materials provided by the researcher. Performance is assessed using a 14-step tool scored from 0 to 3, and parents receive individualized feedback. For the peer video modeling group, a WhatsApp group is created, and parents are instructed to show the video daily before brushing. Assessments are conducted at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months using plaque and gingival indices.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ministry of Health, Turkey

  lead OTHER_GOV

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

6 Years

Max Age

12 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-09-20

Primary Completion

2025-06-23

Completion

2025-06-23

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations