Abstract
BackgroundThis study deals with management of a group of elderly patients with a history of leprosy and hand deformities by a multidisciplinary team of dentists and occupational therapists. Assistive technology devices have been developed to allow such patients to obtain independence in oral self-care and can be a cost-effective approach to improving oral care in this population. The objective of this study was to describe the development of assistive devices to facilitate daily oral hygiene in older people with enduring leprosy-related impairments.MethodologyCase study realized among elders with a history of leprosy residents in a former isolation colony in Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The elders were evaluated for dependence on others for denture hygiene and mouthwash using the Daily Oral Hygiene Activity Index (ADOH). Those deemed partially or completely dependent on others were eligible for an intervention based on assistive technology. We adopted a personalized approach to each case, taking into account medical history, physical impairment and living environment. Six months after the intervention, the participants were assessed again using the ADOH and an unstructured interview about use of the devices.Principal findingsAssistive devices for denture hygiene and mouthwash were developed for 16 elders. These devices facilitated oral hygiene in most patients and there was no worsening in any of the cases. Patients’ report suggested they were satisfied with the devices provided.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that assistive devices can facilitate oral hygiene activities in leprosy patients. It also reinforces the importance of using a multidisciplinary team for the rehabilitation of these patients.
Highlights
Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which if left untreated, can lead to severe disabilities as a result of the neurological impairment, that affect primarily the peripheral nerves and secondarily the skin and other organs [1]
This study demonstrated that assistive devices can facilitate oral hygiene activities in leprosy patients
This study addresses that gap by Assistive technologies for improving the oral hygiene in leprosy patients describing the use of assistive technology devices to support oral hygiene activities in patients with history of leprosy in Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Summary
Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which if left untreated, can lead to severe disabilities as a result of the neurological impairment, that affect primarily the peripheral nerves and secondarily the skin and other organs [1]. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) [4] reported that the proportion of new grade-2 disability cases was 6.7% globally, corresponding to a detection rate of 2.5 per million population [2]. There are still many cured patients who are living in colonies and there are many of these communities around the world today, including 36 in Brazil [6]. These survivors are elders and are living with the sequelae of the disease [7]. A study conducted in a former Brazilian leprosy colony found that 86.7% of the population had bone deformities, especially ankylosis of the joints and clawed hands and feet. The objective of this study was to describe the development of assistive devices to facilitate daily oral hygiene in older people with enduring leprosy-related impairments.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
