Publicação
Young portuguese adults’ perception of mobile apps for motivation to oral health care
| Resumo: | Abstract Objectives: To study the perception of young Portuguese adults about using mobile applications as a complement to oral health motivation. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study applied an online questionnaire to Portuguese individuals between 18 and 20 years old. The questionnaire was developed based on a literature review and assessed by a panel of experts before its application. It collected information about oral hygiene behaviors and the perception of using mobile apps for oral health motivation, including opinions on important functionalities. Variables’ absolute and relative frequencies were calculated. Results: The sample included 213 participants. About 73.2% of the participants considered oral health motivational mobile apps useful, but only 6.1% indicated having already used one. The most valued functionalities were information about oral diseases (86.9%), appointment reminders (85.4%), and a toothbrushing timer (84.5%). Conclusions: Most of the participants found oral health apps useful as a complement to oral health motivation. However, only a small minority reported having used these apps before. The functionalities evidenced in this study may be helpful for the development of mobile apps since they can be more directed to the population's expectations. Apps may be another way for healthcare professionals to motivate their patients to engage in oral health selfcare. |
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| Autores principais: | Costa,Joana |
| Outros Autores: | Mendes,Sónia |
| Assunto: | Mobile applications Motivation Oral health Young adult |
| Ano: | 2024 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | artigo |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | SciELO Portugal |
| Resumo: | Abstract Objectives: To study the perception of young Portuguese adults about using mobile applications as a complement to oral health motivation. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study applied an online questionnaire to Portuguese individuals between 18 and 20 years old. The questionnaire was developed based on a literature review and assessed by a panel of experts before its application. It collected information about oral hygiene behaviors and the perception of using mobile apps for oral health motivation, including opinions on important functionalities. Variables’ absolute and relative frequencies were calculated. Results: The sample included 213 participants. About 73.2% of the participants considered oral health motivational mobile apps useful, but only 6.1% indicated having already used one. The most valued functionalities were information about oral diseases (86.9%), appointment reminders (85.4%), and a toothbrushing timer (84.5%). Conclusions: Most of the participants found oral health apps useful as a complement to oral health motivation. However, only a small minority reported having used these apps before. The functionalities evidenced in this study may be helpful for the development of mobile apps since they can be more directed to the population's expectations. Apps may be another way for healthcare professionals to motivate their patients to engage in oral health selfcare. |
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