Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • 2 Ministry of Health
  • 3 Private Practice
Medicine & Health, 2011;6(1):41-48.
MyJurnal

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to compare patients’ level of recall on verbal and written information about orthodontic treatment. Participants were the patients and parents attending the orthodontic screening clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Participation was voluntary. Participants were placed into two groups. One group was given only written information in the form of an information leaflet, while another group was given only verbal information. The information content comprising of 13 items was based on the Patient Information Leaflet published by the British Orthodontic Society. Both groups received similar content of information in their preferred languages. Self administered close-ended questionnaire forms were given to the subjects after 15 minutes to assess the level of recall. The answers from both groups were compared. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. Chi-square test (p=0.05) was conducted to determine the effect of the method of information on the percentage of recall. A total of 79 subjects volunteered to participate in the study. There were more females than males. The majority were found to have achieved secondary level formal education. Comparison of each question item showed no significant difference between those who were provided with verbal or written information. Both groups showed a high proportion of correct responses. In conclusion, there was no difference in the patients’ level of recall whether the orthodontic patient was given verbal or written information.