The application of theory-guided oral health interventions in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To explore theory-guided randomized controlled trials aimed at improving adolescents' oral health and evaluate their effectiveness.

Design: Multiple library databases with search criteria for articles between 1990 and 2019.

Main Outcome Measures: Searched references were coded and screened for theory-guided interventions for adolescent oral health. Characteristics of each study (study sample, adopted theory, outcome measures, length of follow-up and main findings) were extracted and the quality of the eligible trials assessed. Effect sizes for theory-guided interventions for different follow-up periods were analysed and compared with traditional oral health education.

Results: About 2135 results were uncovered, 64 were extracted for further screening, and 10 studies were eligible for inclusion. For plaque presence outcomes, no statistical difference was observed between theory-guided interventions and traditional interventions at 3 months (MD: -5.94, 95% CI: -16.39 to 4.51). When the duration of observation was extended to over one year, a significant reduction was found (SMD: -0.25, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.04).

Conclusion: Theory-guided interventions for improving oral hygiene status appear to be more effective than traditional interventions for adolescents in the long term. However, more comprehensive studies are required for validation to support the implementation and adoption of these programs in the clinical setting.