Evaluating Oral Health Education Using Conventional, Mobile, and Metaverse Methods Among Malaysian Secondary Students Aged 15-16

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how effective three different methods of oral health education are for secondary school students aged 15 to 16 in Malaysia. The study compares traditional teaching methods, mobile health education via WhatsApp, and an immersive Metaverse platform to see how each impacts oral health knowledge, practices, and attitudes. This research aims to explore new digital ways to improve oral health education for youth in a more engaging and accessible manner. The study divides participants into three groups, each receiving one of the three interventions. The conventional group receives interactive lectures from trained dentists using presentations and models. The mHealth group gets oral health materials through a WhatsApp group with instant messages in Malay and English. The Metaverse group uses computers in their school lab to access an immersive Meta-OHE platform where they explore educational content and complete tasks. Each session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and includes assessments before and after the intervention. Participants will complete assessments of their oral health knowledge, practices, and attitudes before and immediately after their assigned education session. The study takes place over six months from May to December 2024. It involves monitoring participants through questionnaires and interactive activities to measure changes in oral health understanding and behaviors. The research is designed to have minimal risk and aims to provide insights into how immersive technology may enhance oral health education.

Effectiveness of Metaverse-Based Immersive Technology Intervention for Oral Health Education: A Quasi-Experimental Study