Motivational interviewing in an oral health promotion programme

Abstract

Design: This was a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Intervention: From a group of patients with mental health problems participants in the motivational interviewing (MI) arm received a brief MI session (15-20 min) conducted by a doctoral psychology student trained in MI, prior to an oral health education session which was focused on exploring advantages and disadvantages, motivation and confidence, and personal values related to daily toothbrushing and oral health. All participants received two pamphlets summarising the information from the education session, instruction in using a mechanical toothbrush, a reminder system, and weekly telephone calls (for 4 weeks).

Outcome measure: Plaque scores, oral health knowledge and self-regulation were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks.

Results: Sixty participants consented, and 56 (93%) completed the study. Those who did not complete the study discontinued for personal reasons (eg, moving, hospitalisation). Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed improvement (P <0.05) in plaque levels, autonomous regulation and oral health knowledge over time for both groups. Individuals receiving MI improved significantly more, however, compared with people receiving oral health education alone.

Conclusions: Results suggest that MI is effective at enhancing short-term oral health behaviour change for people with severe mental illness and may be useful for the general population.