Darren Chadwick1, Melanie Chapman2,3, Gill Davies4. 1. Faculty of Education, Health & Wellbeing, The University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK. 2. Community Adult Learning Disability Services, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. 3. Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK. 4. Greater Manchester Centre and Dental Public Health Intelligence Team, Public Health England, Manchester, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ PURPOSE: Accessing oral health care can be more difficult for adults with intellectual disabilities with reports of poorer levels of oral health. This investigation identifies factors influencing engagement in day-to-day oral and dental health care for adults with intellectual disabilities. METHOD: A survey, containing questions about facilitators and barriers to maintaining oral health and hygiene, was completed with adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers (N = 372). RESULTS: Data were analysed using thematic network analysis. Two global themes were identified; "Personal and lifestyle influences," mentioned more often as barriers to oral care, included physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioural and affective factors and "social and environmental factors," mentioned more as facilitators, included caregiver support, equipment and adaptations used and oral hygiene routine. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous individual, social and environmental factors influence oral care. A coordinated organisational response is advocated involving collaboration between dental and intellectual disability services and training for caregivers and people with intellectual disabilities.
BACKGROUND/ PURPOSE: Accessing oral health care can be more difficult for adults with intellectual disabilities with reports of poorer levels of oral health. This investigation identifies factors influencing engagement in day-to-day oral and dental health care for adults with intellectual disabilities. METHOD: A survey, containing questions about facilitators and barriers to maintaining oral health and hygiene, was completed with adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers (N = 372). RESULTS: Data were analysed using thematic network analysis. Two global themes were identified; "Personal and lifestyle influences," mentioned more often as barriers to oral care, included physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioural and affective factors and "social and environmental factors," mentioned more as facilitators, included caregiver support, equipment and adaptations used and oral hygiene routine. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous individual, social and environmental factors influence oral care. A coordinated organisational response is advocated involving collaboration between dental and intellectual disability services and training for caregivers and people with intellectual disabilities.
Authors: Fariza Fadzil; Idayu Badilla Idris; Norazlin Kamal Nor; Juriza Ismail; Azmi Mohd Tamil; Kamaliah Mohamad Noh; Noraziani Khamis; Noor Ani Ahmad; Salimah Othman; Rohana Ismail Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-29 Impact factor: 3.390