Enhancing Oral Cancer Awareness

BEHAVIORAL

Traditional Education

Participants will receive traditional educational handouts focusing on increasing awareness of oral cancer risks, preventive strategies, and the importance of regular dental check-ups. Participants will be provided time to read the handouts based on calculated reading time.

BEHAVIORAL

AI-powered Chatbox

The chatbot interaction will be initiated through a provided link, allowing participants to access information and ask questions related to oral health and cancer prevention. The chatbot is programmed to provide accurate information on oral cancer risks, symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of regular dental check-ups. Participants will be encouraged to interact with the chatbot for a specified duration

Compare participant retention rates between the AI-powered tool arm and the conventional educational material arm

Time frame: Baseline, and post intervention (3 months)

Compare the percentage of participants that continued the intervention to the participants that continued using the active comparator to measure intervention feasibility.

Evaluate the impact of AI-powered chatbot interactions versus traditional educational handouts on knowledge and behavior

Time frame: Baseline, and post intervention (3 months)

Assess the effectiveness of the interventions by baseline and post intervention surveys assessing oral cancer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors utilizing a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model. The questionnaire will include scales measuring knowledge about oral cancer, its causes, risk factors, signs, preventive methods. Each question will have one correct answer, and the final score at baseline and after the intervention will be compared. Based on previous literature, a score of 60-70% can indicate adequate knowledge about a disease, but the primary goal of the outcome is to compare improvement in knowledge between control vs intervention arms.

Investigate socio-demographic factors that affect oral cancer knowledge in the African American population

Time frame: Baseline, and post intervention (3 months)

Pre-intervention surveys will include questions assessing socio-demographic variables of the participants. These variables will serve as covariates in the analysis to measure their effects on knowledge and attitudes. The effect of demographic factors affecting healthcare service utilization, such as education attainment and health insurance status, on knowledge about and attitude toward oral cancer will be measured through regression analysis to investigate their impact on oral cancer awareness and prevention efforts.

Evaluate the acceptability of AI-powered chatbot interactions versus traditional educational handouts

Time frame: Baseline, and post intervention (3 months)

Assess the acceptability of the interventions by baseline and post intervention surveys assessing satisfaction, appropriateness, ease of use, and acceptability of the interventions to improve oral cancer knowledge. Satisfaction and acceptability will be measured through a set of questions in the post-intervention questionnaire with 5 Likert scale-based responses ranging from "Strongly Disagree" to "Strongly Agree", and the final score will be compared between arms.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.