Impact of online communication and type of media formats in enhancing orthodontic patients’ knowledge

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which online communication can enhance patients' knowledge of orthodontic topics, as well as compare the effectiveness of images, video, and text messages as tools for delivering orthodontic information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two WhatsApp groups were created comprising 30 males and 33 females. The Google form template was used to formulate a 25-item questionnaire containing information related to orthodontic topics. At the beginning of the first stage, a link to the questionnaire was sent to the groups and their answers were given scores, which were referred to as (T1). During the second stage, a piece of daily information relevant to the field of orthodontics was sent to the groups over a 14-day period. On Day 15, the link to the previous questionnaire was sent again and the participants were asked to complete it for a second time. These answers were corrected, given scores, and labeled as (T2). Scores from the first and second stages were compared. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the average total score from the first questionnaire (T1 = 15.3) to the second questionnaire (T2 = 17.9). All types of media formats were greatly effective in improving the patients' knowledge. Images proved to be the best tool for delivering information and were considerably more effective than video and text messages. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that WhatsApp as an online communication tool could be used to effectively enhance the knowledge of orthodontic patients. Images are the best method for delivering information to orthodontic patients.