Bentong

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of three different oral health education methods—traditional lectures, mobile health via WhatsApp, and a Metaverse platform—among secondary school students aged 15 to 16 in Malaysia. The study focuses on improving oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices using immersive technology compared to conventional and mobile approaches. This research is designed as a quasi-experimental study involving adolescents enrolled in semi-government co-educational schools. Participants will be divided into three groups, each receiving one of the three education interventions simultaneously at the same time and place. Conventional education will be delivered by trained dentists, mobile health education will be provided through WhatsApp messages, and the Metaverse-based education will be accessed via computer using the Meta-OHE platform. The study is expected to take place from May 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Throughout the study, participants' oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices will be assessed before and immediately after the interventions. Data collection will include questionnaires and other evaluations to measure changes in oral health status. The study involves minimal risk, and participants can skip any questions they find uncomfortable. The total participation duration spans approximately six months, covering all educational sessions and assessments.