Oral Health Status of Visually Impaired Adolescents in Schools of Karachi

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene condition, gingival index, and DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) among visually impaired adolescents aged 12-18 years, and to explore the factors that influence these parameters.
Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023 at four distinct special schools/institutions for visually impaired children located in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 234 visually impaired children, with ages ranging from 12 to 18 years, were enrolled in this study. To analyze, the data was categorized into binary data. DMFT < 3 and >3, OHI <1.8 and >1.8, GI <1 and >1. The SPSS version 21 was used to perform statistical analysis of the data.
Results: Out of total participants, 55.1% reported brushing their teeth once a day, while 44.9% reported brushing their teeth twice or more. Majority of participants had an OHI-S score of ? 1.8 and an OHI-S score of <1. OHI-S > 1.8 was less frequent in females than in males, GI >1 was more frequent when the year of education in school increases.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be inferred that most of the children displayed inadequate oral hygiene, as observed in their oral health condition. There is a need for regular school-based oral health programs to train teachers, parents, and guardians to improve oral health related quality of life of visually impaired children.