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Research ArticleOpen Access

The Impact of Blindness on the Oral Health and the Perceived Need to Seek Treatment in a Community of Maltese Older Adults

Volume 5 - Issue 4

Schembri A*, Borg W, Santucci D and Attard N

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    • Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Community Care, Faculty of Dental Surgery, University of Malta

    *Corresponding author: Schembri A, Deparment of Oral Rehabilitation and Community Care, Faculty of Dental Surgery, University of Malta, Europe

Received: June 01, 2018;   Published: June 14, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.05.001224

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Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to explore the impact of blindness on oral health in a convenient sample of group of legally blind, older adults.

Methods: Twenty-six (26) totally blind people were interviewed. Five questionnaires were used: OHIP-14, GOHAI, Denture Satisfaction Questionnaire, the maintenance of oral health and the recognition of the need to seek treatment. The data was analysed using Spearman Correlation Coefficient.

Results: Majority of subjects recognized the importance of health check-ups and relied on support to seek checkups. Subjects reported their oral health to be good. The presence of removable dentures was associated with poorer oral-health related quality of life in the subjects. Interestingly although subjects were legally blind, 50% of sample reported not being pleased with the looks of their mouth or dentures, suggesting that negative issues related to the oral health were expressed in non-specific or -related terms.

Conclusion: This area of research deserves a more extensive investigation that will include more individuals as well as a dental examination. Visually impaired older adults may give more priority to their disability than their oral care therefore interdisciplinary action will empower the older adult to seek the necessary care required from various dental, social and medical professionals.

Abstract| Introduction and Literature Review| Aim| Methodology| Results| Discussion| Conclusion| References|