Effectiveness of mobile text messages v/s traditional health education on improving knowledge about oral cancer at a primary dental health care center, Cuttack, Odisha: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Abstract

Background In developing countries like India mouth neoplasm like oral cancer shows significant and growing public health burden. It is diagnosed late due to lack in awareness which contribute to poor prognosis. Mobile health (mHealth) is effective in educating underserved rural population Health Education through Text messaging (WhatsApp) can improve knowledge at community level. Objective This protocol evaluates the effectiveness of daily WhatsApp-based mobile text messages in improving oral cancer knowledge compared to traditional PowerPoint presentations among adult dental outpatient patients. Methods A total of 144 eligible adults (aged 18–70 years) attending the dental OPD at CHC Bentkar will be randomized 1:1 into an intervention group (daily WhatsApp text messages) and a control group (weekly PowerPoint sessions). Oral cancer knowledge will be assessed using a validated structured questionnaire at baseline (T0), and six months (T1) post-intervention. Sample size was computed using G*Power software 3.1.9.7; Cohen's d = 0.5; α = 0.05; power = 80%) with 10% attrition allowance. Discussion Evidence on comparative telemedicine-based approaches for oral cancer awareness in Indian primary care settings remains sparse. This trial will generate data on the scalability and durability of digital health education strategies for awareness and prevention of oral cancer, and may inform policy toward mobile-platform-delivered public health programme. Clinical Trial Registration https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=150355&EncHid=46498.40290&modid=1&compid=19, identifier CTRI/2026/05/111134.