Abstract
The aim was to analyze perceptions of oral health in adults who have been exposed to child sexual abuse. Eleven participants (10 women), 19 to 56 y of age, who had experienced sexual abuse as children were purposively selected and interviewed in-depth. The participants were encouraged to describe how they perceived the effect of the sexual abuse on their oral health as adults. The interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. The collected material was analyzed according to qualitative content analysis. The theme "challenging conditions for maintaining oral health" was identified, comprising 2 categories: first, "the emotional significance," with the subcategories 1) emotional barriers and 2) powerful relief, and second, "the obstacles to oral health," with the subcategories 1) daily self-care with complications and 2) dental appointments with difficulties. The findings indicate that the experience of sexual abuse during childhood can have a negative impact on oral care in adulthood. The informants stated that oral health was of utmost importance but also associated with strong emotions. There were obstacles to maintenance of oral health that were difficult to surmount.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The study provides access to the attitudes of survivors of child sexual abuse regarding oral health and the needs and obstacles that they experience. This is important knowledge for dental professionals to optimize dental care.
Highlights
IntroductionArticle 19 states the right of children to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect (UNICEF 1990)
On January 1, 2020, the Convention on the Rights of the Child became law in Sweden
An association between exposure to Child sexual abuse (CSA) and the development of dental fear has been shown (Willumsen 2001; Leeners et al 2007). It is common for patients with dental fear to seek treatment only in case of emergency (Hakeberg et al 2000), which leads to a vicious cycle: the dental status deteriorates; the need for treatment
Summary
Article 19 states the right of children to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect (UNICEF 1990). Child sexual abuse (CSA) can have short- and long-term physical and mental sequelae (Paras et al 2009; Hailes et al 2019), incurring considerable expense for the individual and society (National Board of Health and Welfare 2006). An association between exposure to CSA and the development of dental fear has been shown (Willumsen 2001; Leeners et al 2007). It is common for patients with dental fear to seek treatment only in case of emergency (Hakeberg et al 2000), which leads to a vicious cycle: the dental status deteriorates; the need for treatment
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