O B Al-Batayneh1, T S Nazer2, Y S Khader3, A I Owais2. 1. Pediatric Dentistry Division, Preventive Dentistry Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan. olabt@just.edu.jo. 2. Pediatric Dentistry Division, Preventive Dentistry Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan. 3. Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a communication system for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a PECS-based tooth-brushing programme on gingival health in children with ASD and assess parents' perception of PECS. METHODS: This was a prospective interventional study. Using PECS as a pictures/cards series showing a structured tooth-brushing method, 37 children with ASD (31 males, 6 females) (average age 9.49 ± 4.10, 4-16 years) and their parents/caregivers were trained on tooth-brushing twice, 2 weeks apart. Data collected after examinations (baseline, 3, 6-months) included gingival and plaque indices (GI, PI) and two questionnaires (baseline, 6-months) for demographic data and parents' perception of PECS including difficulty rating (easy, hard, very hard) and PECS usefulness. RESULTS: Most children with ASD had language abilities (64.9%) and prior PECS use (67.6%). Both GI and PI significantly dropped between baseline and both re-evaluations, (P < 0.001). Age, among studied factors, significantly affected PI only at all stages (P < 0.001). Most parents/caregivers (75.7%) rated PECS as hard, but useful (100%). Age and PECS prior use significantly affected PECS difficulty rating (P = 0.000 and 0.031, respectively), while sex did not (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PECS though rated as hard was useful in improving gingival health in children with ASD.
PURPOSE: The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a communication system for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a PECS-based tooth-brushing programme on gingival health in children with ASD and assess parents' perception of PECS. METHODS: This was a prospective interventional study. Using PECS as a pictures/cards series showing a structured tooth-brushing method, 37 children with ASD (31 males, 6 females) (average age 9.49 ± 4.10, 4-16 years) and their parents/caregivers were trained on tooth-brushing twice, 2 weeks apart. Data collected after examinations (baseline, 3, 6-months) included gingival and plaque indices (GI, PI) and two questionnaires (baseline, 6-months) for demographic data and parents' perception of PECS including difficulty rating (easy, hard, very hard) and PECS usefulness. RESULTS: Most children with ASD had language abilities (64.9%) and prior PECS use (67.6%). Both GI and PI significantly dropped between baseline and both re-evaluations, (P < 0.001). Age, among studied factors, significantly affected PI only at all stages (P < 0.001). Most parents/caregivers (75.7%) rated PECS as hard, but useful (100%). Age and PECS prior use significantly affected PECS difficulty rating (P = 0.000 and 0.031, respectively), while sex did not (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PECS though rated as hard was useful in improving gingival health in children with ASD.
Entities:
Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorder; Gingival index; Picture exchange communication system (PECS); Plaque index; Tooth-brushing programme
Authors: Lucía I Floríndez; Dominique H Como; Daniella C Floríndez; Francesca M Floríndez; Evelyn Law; Jose C Polido; Sharon A Cermak Journal: Children (Basel) Date: 2022-05-18
Authors: Araxi Balian; Silvia Cirio; Claudia Salerno; Thomas Gerhard Wolf; Guglielmo Campus; Maria Grazia Cagetti Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-18 Impact factor: 3.390