Response to “The Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Application for Oral Health Education Among Adults in Rwanda” [Letter]

Abstract

Avid Wijaya,¹ Rahmadyo Yudhi Prabowo,¹ Lukky Jayadi²

¹Medical Record and Health Information Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Malang, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia; ²Department of Pharmacy, Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta 2, Kota Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia

Correspondence: Avid Wijaya, Poltekkes Kemenkes Malang, Jl. Besar Ijen 77C, Malang, Indonesia, Email [email protected]

View the original paper by Mr Nzabonimana and colleagues

Dear editor

The article titled “The Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Application for Oral Health Education Among Adults in Rwanda” provides critical insights into the potential of mobile health applications, particularly the BrushDJ app, in addressing oral health issues within underserved populations.¹ This research is notable for its clearly articulated objectives and methodology, which focus on evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of the BrushDJ app in enhancing oral hygiene practices. The findings emphasize the high penetration of mobile phones in Rwanda and the supportive government initiatives in information and communication technology (ICT) as significant factors facilitating the adoption of mobile health solutions.² However, the study’s methodology raises several concerns that warrant attention. The limited sample size of 90 participants restricts the generalizability of the findings, and the exclusion of non-English or non-French speakers introduces potential bias, thereby neglecting a substantial portion of Rwanda’s population. Additionally, the recruitment strategy predominantly targeted younger, more educated individuals, thereby overlooking older adults and those with lower educational attainment who may face greater barriers to utilizing mobile health technologies.³ To address these limitations, future research should aim to diversify participant demographics by including individuals from various linguistic, educational, and age backgrounds. Moreover, incorporating localized content and language options within the app could significantly enhance its accessibility and cultural relevance.⁴ In conclusion, while the study highlights the promise of mobile applications in promoting oral health education, addressing the identified methodological gaps is essential for maximizing its impact and applicability across Rwanda’s diverse population. Future studies should prioritize inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in their design to ensure that mobile health interventions effectively reach and benefit all segments of the population.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this communication.

References

1. Nzabonimana E, Malele-Kolisa Y, Hlongwa P. The feasibility and acceptability of a mobile application for oral health education among adults in Rwanda. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2024;16:359–369. doi:10.2147/CCIDE.S481599

2. Nasution SLR, Affandi A, Girsang E. Evaluation of health insurance services through mobile jkn in dental poly, haji hospital medan 2022. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA. 2023;9(SpecialIssue):338–343. doi:10.29303/jppipa.v9iSpecialIssue.4929

3. Kumari M, Sharma S, Raj A, Jha A, Shivakumar S, kumar A. Addressing oral health disparities of a tribal population through a combined implementation of focus group discussion, mobile technology networking, and creating a supportive environment: a prospective study. Cureus. 2023. doi:10.7759/cureus.41266

4. Chau RCW, Thu KM, Chaurasia A, Hsung RTC, Lam WYH. A systematic review of the use of mHealth in oral health education among older adults. Dent J. 2023;11(8):189. doi:10.3390/dj11080189