Factors influencing the oral health behaviour of Dutch adolescents with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities living in residential care: A qualitative study.
J Appl Res Intellect Disabil
; 37(3): e13220, 2024 May.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38491919
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Toothbrushing, limiting intake frequency, and scheduled visits to an oral healthcare professional (OHP) are key for good oral health. We aimed to explore factors influencing these oral health behaviours in Dutch adolescents with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID) in residential care.METHOD:
Using a qualitative, descriptive approach, we conducted focus groups and interviews with 12 adolescents, 9 counsellors, and 6 OHPs. Thematic analysis mapped factors influencing adolescents' knowledge, attitude, planning, and execution of oral health behaviours to oral care stakeholders.RESULTS:
Of nine identified influencing factors, three were pivotal Structure (influencing toothbrushing and intake frequency), Anxiety (impeding dental visits), and Support (provided by counsellors).CONCLUSIONS:
Counsellors should provide structured daily guidance on oral hygiene and diet for adolescents with MBID, while respecting the adolescents' autonomy. As intermediaries between adolescents and OHPs, counsellors are key in reducing dental anxiety. Counsellors need clear oral health policies within care facilities to address competing priorities.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Intellectual Disability
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Appl Res Intellect Disabil
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Netherlands
Country of publication:
United kingdom