Anusha D, Keingadarane S, Caplan D J, Sivasamy S
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry, 605004, India.
Preventive and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa city, USA.
Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2025 Apr;26(2):321-328. doi: 10.1007/s40368-024-00975-7. Epub 2024 Nov 25.
Oral health plays a critical role in overall well-being, particularly among adolescents, including those with intellectual disabilities. Caregivers, particularly mothers, play an essential role in guiding and supporting these adolescents in maintaining good oral health. This study examined the oral health problems and challenges faced by children with intellectual disabilities from the perspective of their mothers.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 mothers of intellectually disabled adolescents aged 12-18 years in Pondicherry, India. A purposive sampling method was employed to gather information-rich insights from a diverse group of mothers. The interviews were guided by an interview protocol that included open-ended questions about the challenges in maintaining oral health, experiences with dental care providers, and perceived need for support. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify and interpret key themes.
The study identified six key themes affecting the oral health of adolescents with intellectual disabilities from maternal perspectives: physical and behavior challenges, limited access to specialized dental care, financial constraints, lack of professional support and education, emotional and psychological impact on mothers, and social stigma and isolation.
The identified themes highlight the need for comprehensive and multifaceted interventions to address the physical, logistical, financial, educational, and emotional challenges. By understanding and addressing these barriers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and support organizations can improve oral health outcomes and the overall quality of life for adolescents with intellectual disabilities and their families.
口腔健康在整体健康中起着关键作用，尤其是在青少年中，包括那些有智力障碍的青少年。照顾者，尤其是母亲，在指导和支持这些青少年保持良好口腔健康方面发挥着重要作用。本研究从母亲的角度审视了智力障碍儿童所面临的口腔健康问题和挑战。
对印度本地治里12至18岁智力障碍青少年的22位母亲进行了半结构化访谈。采用目的抽样方法，从不同群体的母亲那里收集内容丰富的见解。访谈由一份访谈提纲指导，该提纲包括关于保持口腔健康方面的挑战、与牙科护理提供者的经历以及对支持的感知需求等开放式问题。进行了主题分析以识别和解释关键主题。
该研究从母亲的角度确定了影响智力障碍青少年口腔健康的六个关键主题：身体和行为挑战、获得专业牙科护理的机会有限、经济限制、缺乏专业支持和教育、对母亲的情感和心理影响以及社会耻辱和孤立。
所确定的主题凸显了采取全面和多方面干预措施来应对身体、后勤、经济、教育和情感挑战的必要性。通过理解和克服这些障碍，医疗保健提供者、政策制定者和支持组织可以改善智力障碍青少年及其家庭的口腔健康结果和整体生活质量。
