Nithimar Sermsuti-Anuwat1, Sathirakorn Pongpanich2. 1. Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Thailand. 2. College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Thailand.
Abstract
AIMS: Persons with physical disabilities require specific methods for sustaining good oral health. This study aimed to evaluate an individually tailored oral hygiene intervention program (IT-OHI) for improving gingival health among adults with disabilities. METHODS AND RESULTS: A single group, quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests, conducted at a community club for disabled people in Thailand. This study included 145 adults with disabilities, aged 18-74 years. Trained caregivers provided IT-OHI program to all participants. Calibrated dentists assessed the gingival bleeding and dental plaque at baseline/pre-intervention (T0) and at 6 (T1) and 12 (T2) weeks post-intervention. The outcomes were analyzed using the Friedman test, Cochran's Q test, and Binary logistic regression. There were significant decreases in bleeding on probing scores (P < .001) and plaque control record scores (P < .001) throughout the study. However, considering the individual periods, values between T1 and T2 did not improve. Additionally, the IT-OHI program's protective effect was more substantial among the male participants at 12 weeks post-intervention (odds ratio = 0.094, P = .027) than among the females. CONCLUSION: The IT-OHI program had partial effectiveness in improving gingival health and reducing dental plaque accumulation in a group of Thai people with physical disabilities; however, the long-term impact remains unclear.
AIMS: Persons with physical disabilities require specific methods for sustaining good oral health. This study aimed to evaluate an individually tailored oral hygiene intervention program (IT-OHI) for improving gingival health among adults with disabilities. METHODS AND RESULTS: A single group, quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests, conducted at a community club for disabled people in Thailand. This study included 145 adults with disabilities, aged 18-74 years. Trained caregivers provided IT-OHI program to all participants. Calibrated dentists assessed the gingival bleeding and dental plaque at baseline/pre-intervention (T0) and at 6 (T1) and 12 (T2) weeks post-intervention. The outcomes were analyzed using the Friedman test, Cochran's Q test, and Binary logistic regression. There were significant decreases in bleeding on probing scores (P < .001) and plaque control record scores (P < .001) throughout the study. However, considering the individual periods, values between T1 and T2 did not improve. Additionally, the IT-OHI program's protective effect was more substantial among the male participants at 12 weeks post-intervention (odds ratio = 0.094, P = .027) than among the females. CONCLUSION: The IT-OHI program had partial effectiveness in improving gingival health and reducing dental plaque accumulation in a group of Thai people with physical disabilities; however, the long-term impact remains unclear.