The effectiveness of an oral health education and prevention program on the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in pediatric cancer patients: a non-randomized controlled study

Purpose To investigate the effectiveness of an Oral Health Education and Prevention Program (OHEPP) on the incidence and severity of oral mucositis (OM) in pediatric cancer patients. The OHEEP was a ludic strategy for promoting oral health and monitoring the oral health condition. Methods We compared the incidence and severity of OM in patients who attended the OHEPP against those under similar conditions who did not receive educational interventions. Both groups were examined for 6 weeks by calibrated examiners (k > 0.8) using the modified Oral Assessment Guide (OAG). A total of 14 patients aged 2 to 18 years were included in each group and matched for sex, age, tumor type, and treatment modality. The incidence and severity of OM were compared using the chi-squared test (α = 5%), and the relative risk and effectiveness of the OHEPP were calculated with a statistical power of 0.97. Differences in total OAG scores between the groups were determined by the Mann–Whitney test (α = 5%). Results There was a higher incidence of OM in patients who did not attend the OHEPP ( P = 0.005), and the relative risk of developing OM was significantly lower in OHEPP attendants (RR: 0.73; CI 0.60–0.92). No difference in the occurrence of severe OM was observed. OHEPP reduced the risk of developing OM by 1.4-fold, with an effectiveness of 27%. There was a difference in total OAG scores ( P = 0.041). Conclusion Participation in OHEPP was an effective measure to reduce the incidence of OM in pediatric cancer patients.