Abstract
BackgroundOral diseases are a public health concern with a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals. Children with special needs face significant challenges in carrying out oral hygiene due to their disability, and they are more prone to poor oral health and illnesses. This study assessed dental health problems and treatment-seeking behaviors of special needs school students in Amhara region, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021, in eight special needs schools located in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 443 randomly selected special needs students were included. Data were collected using a structured interview-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with oral health problems and treatment-seeking behavior. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultsThe prevalence of self-reported dental health problems and treatment-seeking behaviors among special needs school students was 46.1% (95% CI: 41.4%, 50.7%) and 60.3% (95% CI: 53.4%, 66.8%), respectively. Place of residence, grade level, religious affiliation, years lived with disability, and knowledge of dental health-related risk behaviors were associated with dental health problems. Whereas, place of residence, being hearing impaired, and having prior information about dental health problems were associated with dental treatment-seeking behavior.ConclusionsA significant number of special needs students reported dental problems and about 40% of them did not seek dental treatment. Oral hygiene practice and access to dental care services are important in the prevention of dental problems. Hence, oral hygiene promotion programs focusing on oral hygiene practice and dental treatment services are needed in special needs schools. It is also strongly suggested to incorporate oral health related information in health-related academic lessons to enhance optimum oral health among special needs students.
Highlights
Oral diseases are a public health concern with a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals
Sample size and sampling procedure The sample size was calculated using a single population proportion formula; considering 50% proportion of students who have a dental health problem, d, Zα/2 corresponding to 95% confidence level, and 15% non-response rate
Restoration Endodontics Orthodontics Scling and root planing affiliation, years lived with disability, and knowledge of dental health-related risk behaviors were statistically significant factors associated with dental health problems
Summary
Oral diseases are a public health concern with a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals. Children with special needs face significant challenges in carrying out oral hygiene due to their disability, and they are more prone to poor oral health and illnesses. According to the Global Burden of Disease, untreated dental caries in permanent teeth is the most prevalent oral health problem [6], and with over 530 million children suffering from primary tooth caries [3]. Children with disabilities and other special needs have more oral health problems than the general population due to impaired cognitive abilities, behavioral problems, impaired mobility, and neuromuscular problems. They require extra help and rely on others to achieve and maintain good oral health [7]
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