@article{HurrelmannReinhardtNoacketal., author = {Hurrelmann, Klaus and Reinhardt, C.H. and Noack, M. J. and Wassmer, G. and Klein, K.}, title = {A strategy for encouraging young adult's adoption of a preferred oral hygiene technique}, series = {Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry}, volume = {8}, journal = {Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry}, number = {1}, publisher = {Quintessenz Publ.}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1602-1622}, doi = {10.3290/j.ohpd.a18805}, pages = {3 -- 8}, abstract = {PURPOSE: Adherence to dental preventive programmes in young adults is low. The aim of the present longitudinal study was to evaluate whether tutoring peers can be a compliance-enhancing tool or not. METHODS: In Part 1, two randomly selected classes (49 female students, mean age 19.8 + or - 2.3 years) were taught adult toothbrushing technique (the modified Bass technique) in a project-like manner. After the course, knowledge was tested using a class test, and compliance was evaluated using anonymous quantitative questionnaires. Compliance was defined as a reported degree of change from the easy-to-learn childhood toothbrushing techniques to the more efficient and challenging Bass technique. In Part 2 of the present longitudinal study, the compliance of these students was re-evaluated after having developed and applied themselves a programme of how to tutor peers in oral health. Re-evaluation of compliance was performed after 3 and 9 months. RESULTS: In Part 1, 28.5\% of the students were compliant after 1 week. Compared with Part 1, the compliance in Part 2 was significantly higher (P u 0.001), both after 3 months (90\%) and after 9 months (82\%). CONCLUSIONS: Tutoring peers can significantly enhance the compliance over a period of 9 months. Tutoring can function as a form of empowerment and can establish a strong sustained health engagement. Tutoring peers in health-related subjects can readily be implemented in schools and might be an additional means of oral health promotion with fewer additional costs.}, language = {en} }