Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry (Jan 2022)
Oral Health Status of Hearing-Impaired Students Attending Special Need Schools in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Amare Teshome Tefera,1 Biruk Girma,1 Aynishet Adane,2 Abebe Muche,3 Tadesse Awoke Ayele,4 Kefyalew Ayalew Getahun,5 Zelallem Aniley,1 Semira Ali,6 Simegnew Handebo7 1Department of Dentistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 4Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Institute of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 5Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 6Department of special need and inclusive education, College of Education, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 7Department of health education and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Amare Teshome TeferaDepartment of Dentistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, Tel +251-910517002, Email [email protected]: Oral health care is the most common unmet need among individuals with a disability. Individuals with a disability may have compromised oral health needs due to neglect from parents, socioeconomic problems, and communication barriers. In Ethiopia, there is a lack of data on oral health status of the hearing-impaired population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the oral health status of hearing-impaired students in the Amhara region, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021 on hearing-impaired students in Amhara region, Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested interview administered questionnaire and clinical examination. Oral cavity was evaluated using the simplified oral hygiene index, decayed, missed and filled teeth, and community periodontal index. Data analysis was done using SPSS 26.0, and logistic regression analysis was done to identify the risk factors of dental caries and periodontal disease.Results: A total of 149 hearing impaired students with an age range of 7– 30 years were involved in the study. The prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries was 22.8% (95% CI: 16.8, 30.4) and 38.9% (95% CI; 32.2, 46.9), respectively. Being grade 1– 4 student (AOR = 3.94, 95%: 1.16, 13.38), lack of formal education (AOR = 4.98, 95% CI: 1.00, 24.65), dental caries (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.08) and bleeding on probing (AOR = 9.98, 95% CI: 3.69, 26.64) were statistically significant with periodontal disease. Grade level, parents’ support during brushing, oral health status, and medication intake were independent factors for dental caries.Conclusion: In the present study, a significant number of hearing-impaired students had periodontal disease and dental caries. School oral health programs and caregivers assisted oral hygiene practices are essential to combat oral health problems in hearing-impaired students. Moreover, a nationwide prospective study with a large sample size will be required to reflect the oral health status of hearing-impaired individuals in the country.Keywords: oral health status, hearing impairment, dental caries, periodontal disease, DMFT
