A tactile graphic book with Braille and audio use improved plaque score and toothbrushing performance in visually impaired individuals.

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of embossed tactile graphic books and Braille with an audio file for oral health education for visually impaired individuals. Forty visually impaired individuals (9-16 years old) were matched and randomly assigned into two groups. The education was provided using an audio file and practicing toothbrushing with teachers' hands-on assistance for the audio/hands-on (A/HO) group and the tactile graphic book with audio and teacher supervision (ATB/TS) group. The oral health instruction was performed three times, once a week every 2weeks, transitioning to a self-study session based on the group's method once a week for 4weeks. Plaque score, brushing performance, and oral health knowledge were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U and Friedman post hoc test. A significant improvement was found in both groups at week 6 of the intervention. However, the ATB/TS group had a significantly higher score than the A/HO group in the task analysis of tooth brushing step score (p-value<0.001), PHP score (p-value=0.001), and oral hygiene knowledge score (p-value<0.001). Tactile graphic books and Braille with an audio file is an effective medium for the oral health education of visually impaired individuals.