The Effect of Mass Media Campaigns on Oral Health Knowledge: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



Banakar M^{1, 2} ; Lankarani KB¹ ; Vali M³ ; Tabrizi R^{4, 5, 6} ; Taherifard E¹ ; Akbari M¹
Source: International Journal of Dental Hygiene Published:2024

Abstract

Objectives: Knowledge and awareness gained from mass media can prepare people for lifestyle changes and impact their health and well-being. Considering the differences in the results of primary studies, we decided to conduct this study to evaluate the effect of mass media campaigns on oral health knowledge as a systematic meta-analysis and review. Method: The databases such as the Web of Sciences (ISI), Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched systematically until February 2022. Data pooling was performed using a random effects model. The effect sizes were estimated as odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additional analyses, including sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses, were also conducted. Results: Our meta-analysis comprised a total number of seven articles. The pooled results indicated significant increases in oral health knowledge among included studies (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.20–2.24, p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, the effects of mass media campaigns on oral health knowledge remained significant for the studies with follow-up of less than 150 weeks (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.49–1.91) and working-age populations (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.40–2.32) compared to other categories. Conclusion: In general, this study showed that mass media campaigns may have positive effects on oral health knowledge, especially in the working-age population; it seems that for improving health knowledge among children, more initiatives are needed. Besides, the effects of these campaigns seem to be time-dependent and higher in shorter follow-up periods. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.