Empowering caregivers to enhance oral health among children with special needs: An interventional study

Abstract

Background: Children with special needs face restrictions in dental hygiene due to disabilities. Dental education and preventive measures can significantly improve oral health among children with special needs. This study aims to assess the oral health status of children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Down Syndrome and to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventional programs on oral health status in Karnataka, India. Methods: A quantitative, interventional study with a repeated measures design was conducted among 135 children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Down Syndrome. Data were gathered using a Demographic Proforma, the WHO Oral Health Status Questionnaire and WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2013). The intervention included weekly sessions over 3 months, featuring supervised tooth brushing training, individualised dental counselling for caregivers, interactive educational modules, and distribution of a Pictorial Information Manual in local languages. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 29.0, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The study consisting 135 children, oral health status scores as evidenced by statistically significant changes (p < 0.001) indicating improvement in dental health. The Oral health of children shows substantial changes, which were statistically significant (p < 0.001), confirming the positive impact of the intervention. Conclusions: The study interventions were enriching for caregivers with sufficient information and skill on dental care. The development of the Pictorial Information Manual is a unique manual enriched with of attractive pictures and relevant information on oral health, which was made copyrighted and distributed to caregivers.