Effect of Message Framing Through Mobile Health on Oral Health and Quality of Life Among Refugees in Alexandria, Egypt: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

What this Trial Is About

Refugees who have experienced forced displacement and trauma often face unique healthcare challenges, including oral health issues that significantly affect their quality of life. This research evaluates how different types of mobile text message reminders can influence oral health practices among refugees living in Alexandria, Egypt. The study compares gain-framed messages, loss-framed messages, and no message intervention to understand their effects on oral health behaviors and quality of life. Participants are divided into three groups: one receives gain-framed mobile text messages every two weeks reminding them of the benefits of good oral hygiene; another receives loss-framed messages highlighting the negative consequences of poor oral care; the third group receives only an oral health education session without follow-up messages. All participants start with an oral health education session, and the messaging continues as a booster during the study period. During the study, participants' oral health knowledge is assessed immediately after the education session and at 6 months and 1 year. Oral health practices, hygiene status, gingival health, and periodontal health are evaluated at 6 months and 1 year. Researchers will monitor changes in dental plaque and oral health-related quality of life, along with participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices. This thorough assessment helps measure the impact of message framing on improving oral health among refugees over a one-year period.

Oral Health Education and Message Framing Effect on Oral Health Status of Refugees in Egypt