The Uitblinkers-intervention for behavioural change
The ‘Uitblinkers’ intervention for behavioural change is a project aimed at improving the oral health of young children, especially in families from lower socioeconomic position. Utilizing a unique conversational methodology based on proven strategies, it focuses on improving oral hygiene habits and dietary behaviours. This intervention is currently being tested and further developed in practice.
Objective
The objective of this project is twofold: on one hand, it aims to investigate the effectiveness of the 'Uitblinkers' intervention in improving oral health behaviour among parents and children, and on the other hand, to adapt this methodology for application to dietary behaviour. This includes evaluating the impact on brushing habits over an extended period and analysing the feasibility in dental care practices, taking into account various factors such as the characteristics of the dental care practice, the target group, and the dental care provider.
Results
This project aims to:
- Evaluate the influence of the 'Uitblinkers' intervention on children's brushing behaviour.
- Identify process factors and barriers/enabling factors for the implementation of the 'Uitblinkers' intervention in dental care practices.
- Develop a prototype 'Uitblinkers' intervention for dietary behaviour.
- Create an implementation module for the 'Uitblinkers Performers' intervention with essential materials and guidelines.
Duration
01 January 2024 - 01 January 2026
Approach
In this project, we apply various research methods to evaluate and further develop the 'UItblinkers' intervention. This intervention focuses on both oral health and dietary behaviour and is carried out in close collaboration with parents and healthcare professionals.
Impact
This project addresses the growing issue of inequality in oral health among Dutch children, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It focuses on improving oral health behaviour in these children through the implementation of an innovative and evidence based intervention. This initiative closely aligns with the agenda setting for oral health research priorities, emphasising the reduction of the gap between science and practice and answering pressing questions from dental care providers about effective behaviour change methods.
Co-financing
SIA RAAK-mkb grant
RAAK.MKB.18.022
HU researchers involved in the research
Collaboration with knowledge partners
Background information
- De uitdagingen van tandenpoetsen bij een kind (Dutch)
- Promoting parenting strategies to improve tooth brushing in children: design of a non-randomised cluster-controlled trial
- Toepasbaarheid van de ‘Uitblinkers-interventie’ om tandenpoetsen bij kinderen te verbeteren: een pilotonderzoek (Dutch)
- ‘Uitblinkers’: een praktische en positieve interventie voor het verbeteren van poetsgedrag (Dutch)