Mobile health intervention to improve oral health in adolescents

Health Belief Model and Family-based Mobile-health Intervention to Promote Oral Health in Adolescents: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT05448664

This study is testing whether a mobile health program can help teenagers aged 12 to 15 improve their oral health by encouraging better brushing habits and less sugar intake with support from their parents.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment900 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05448664 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a mobile health intervention based on the Health Belief Model and family involvement to enhance oral health behaviors among adolescents aged 12 to 15. It is a 30-month cluster randomized controlled trial involving three groups, where parents and their children will receive targeted mobile messages aimed at improving oral hygiene practices and reducing sugar intake. The primary outcome is the increment of dental caries two years post-intervention, while secondary outcomes include changes in oral health self-efficacy and behaviors, as well as dental plaque and gingival bleeding indices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Chinese adolescents aged 12 to 15 living with their parents or primary caregivers who have access to mobile phones.

Not a fit: Patients on special diets or with medical conditions affecting growth or eating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve oral health behaviors in adolescents, leading to a reduction in dental diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using mobile health interventions for health behavior changes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chinese ethnicity;
* Student living with their own parent(s) or primary caregivers;
* Both student and parent(s) or primary caregiver having their own access to a personal mobile phone with certain Apps to receive the messages in time

Exclusion Criteria:

* Student currently on a special diet (e.g. severe inflammatory bowel disease);
* Student has medical conditions know to affect growth or eating (e.g. diabetes, cystic fibrosis);
* Enrollment in other oral health promotion programs or research studies.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Oral HealthMobile healthHealth Belief ModelFamily-based interventionOral healthAdolescents
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.