Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals with Down syndrome exhibit particular oro-facial characteristics that may increase their risk of oral health problems. However, there is little research on the oral health of children and adults with Down syndrome and the way that oral health may affect Quality of Life (QoL). This study explored mothers’ perceptions of the oral health problems experienced by their children with Down syndrome and how these reported problems impacted the lives of the children and their families.MethodsThe study involved 20 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with mothers of children and adolescents aged 12–18 years with Down syndrome attending special care centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.ResultsThe predominant oral-health related problem reported by mothers was difficulty in speaking. Mothers also reported that tooth decay and toothache were problems that had undesirable effects on different aspects of their children’s QoL including: performing daily activities, emotional wellbeing, and social relationships. Poor oral health and functional problems had direct and indirect impacts on the family’s QoL as well.ConclusionMothers perceived an array of QoL impacts from oral conditions, which affected their child with Down syndrome and the wider family.
Highlights
The number of people with disabilities is increasing in the world; mainly because of their higher survival rates through advances in medical and social care services [1, 2]
Individuals with Down syndrome have specific oro-facial characteristics that may increase their risk of developing oral health problems [7]
The research reported here is part of a larger project aiming to develop an Oral HealthRelated Quality of Life (OHRQoL) measure for children and adolescents with Down syndrome
Summary
The number of people with disabilities is increasing in the world; mainly because of their higher survival rates through advances in medical and social care services [1, 2]. One potential consequence of that is as the number of people with disability increases, the need for health and social care increases. Research has shown that compared to the general population, people with disabilities experience poorer health and inferior access to high quality health services [4, 5]. Individuals with Down syndrome have specific oro-facial characteristics that may increase their risk of developing oral health problems [7]. Individuals with Down syndrome exhibit particular oro-facial characteristics that may increase their risk of oral health problems. This study explored mothers’ perceptions of the oral health problems experienced by their children with Down syndrome and how these reported problems impacted the lives of the children and their families
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