Development of Chatbot-Based Oral Health Care for Young Children and Evaluation of its Effectiveness, Usability, and Acceptability: Mixed Methods Study
Abstract BackgroundChatbots are increasingly accepted in public health for their ability to replicate human-like communication and provide scalable, 24/7 services. The high prevalence of dental caries in children underscores the need for early and effective intervention....
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JMIR Publications
2025-02-01
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| Series: | JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting |
| Online Access: | https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e62738 |
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| Summary: | Abstract
BackgroundChatbots are increasingly accepted in public health for their ability to replicate human-like communication and provide scalable, 24/7 services. The high prevalence of dental caries in children underscores the need for early and effective intervention.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop the 30-Day FunDee chatbot and evaluate its effectiveness, usability, and acceptability in delivering oral health education to caregivers of children aged 6 to 36 months.
MethodsThe chatbot was created using the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot behavior change model, integrating behavioral change theories into content designed for 3‐5 minutes of daily use over 30 days. A pre-post experimental study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, and Maelan District, Pattani Province, Thailand. Fifty-eight caregivers completed a web-based structured questionnaire at baseline and 2 months post baseline to evaluate knowledge, protection motivation theory-based perceptions, and tooth-brushing practices. Usability was assessed via chatbot logfiles and a web-based questionnaire at 2 months post baseline. Acceptability was evaluated through three methods: (1) open-ended chatbot interactions on day 30, (2) a web-based structured questionnaire at 2 months post baseline, and (3) semistructured telephone interviews with 15 participants 2 weeks post intervention. Participants for interviews were stratified by adherence levels and randomly selected from Hatyai and Maelan districts. All self-reported variables were measured on a 5-point Likert scale (1=lowest, 5=highest).
ResultsThe chatbot was successfully developed based on the 4 components of the AI chatbot behavior change model. Participants had a mean age of 34.5 (SD 8.6) years. The frequency of tooth brushing among caregivers significantly improved, increasing from 72.4% at baseline to 93.1% two months post baseline (PP
ConclusionsThe 30-Day FunDee chatbot effectively enhanced caregivers’ perceptions of oral health care and improved tooth-brushing practices for children aged 6‐36 months. High user satisfaction and engagement demonstrate its potential as an innovative tool for oral health education. These findings warrant further validation through large-scale, randomized controlled trials. |
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| ISSN: | 2561-6722 |