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Research Article: Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Behaviours of Hong Kong Students with Vision Impairment

Date Published: 2024-02-02

Abstract:
This cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to describe dental caries and oral hygiene conditions among visually impaired students in Hong Kong. Students aged 6–21 years from two specialised schools for those with vision impairment were invited. Information on sociodemographic background and oral health-related behaviours was collected through an online parent-reported questionnaire. Dental caries and oral hygiene were assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Visible Plaque Index (VPI), respectively. Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were conducted to analyse the association between students’ background and oral health status. A total of 73 participants were recruited, of whom 57.5% were male. Their mean (SD) age was 12.9 (4.7) years. Their mean DMFT score (SD) was 1.0 (1.8), and 43.8% had caries experience. The mean VPI (SD) was 0.76 (0.30). Their caries experience was significantly associated with their snacking habits (p = 0.013). Male participants had poorer oral hygiene than females (p = 0.048). In summary, dental caries is prevalent among visually impaired students in Hong Kong and their oral hygiene condition is unsatisfactory. Caries experience is significantly associated with snacking frequency, whereas oral hygiene is associated with gender. More specially designed preventive oral health measures should be provided for visually impaired students and their caretakers.

Introduction:
Vision impairment, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is one of the most common disabilities worldwide, affecting 596 million people, which includes 1.4 million children suffering from blindness and 22.6 million children suffering from moderate-to-severe sight loss [1]. Blindness is defined as visual acuity worse than 3/60, and moderate-to-severe vision impairment is defined as worse than 6/18 but equal to or better than 3/60 [2]. Vision loss hampers children’s academic performance [3], development…

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