Knowledge on periodontal disease before and after a mass media campaign

The aim of this study was to evaluate if a mass media campaign regarding periodontal disease could increase the knowledge in the general population of diagnoses, symptoms and treatment options of periodontal disease. More specifically, the aim was to investigate the number of correct answers to knowledge questions before and after the campaign. The Swedish Association of Periodontology conducted the campaign through brochures, newspapers, radio and TV. The effect of the campaign was evaluated by a pre- and post campaign questionnaire with a cohort design. From a national population register of 50-75 year olds in Sweden, 900 persons were randomly sampled for the study. A total of 64% of the sample answered both questionnaires. The result of the study showed an improvement among the respondents. There was a significant increase in the number of correct answers regarding diagnoses, symptoms and treatments of periodontitis. In the questionnaire, correct answers regarding "Mobile teeth" increased from 57% to 65% (p=0.003) and "careful dental hygiene" from 65% to 73% (p=0.001). Kappa value's were calculated for consistency in the reply and all kappa values were low especially for the questions "X-ray" (0.36) and "Cleaning between the teeth" (0.38). It was concluded that the campaign probably was successful from a public health knowledge standpoint.