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. 2011 Mar;2(3-4):25-30.
Epub 2012 Jan 27.

Disabled patients and oral health in Rome, Italy: long-term evaluation of educational initiatives

Laura Avenali  1 , Fabrizio Guerra, Luigi Cipriano, Denise Corridore, Livia Ottolenghi
Affiliations

Disabled patients and oral health in Rome, Italy: long-term evaluation of educational initiatives

Laura Avenali et al. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2011 Mar.

Abstract

This study is concerned with the educational intervention layout proposed as a possible answer for the disparities in healthcare services for disabled persons.

Material and methods: The data sampling was performed on individuals in Rome, affected by psychophysical disabilities, living in residential care facilities. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Study and Control Group, consisting of patients who did or did not participate in the Educational Phase. All the caregivers participated in an educational course. Screening period: September 2008 - March 2009. Examinations were performed using Visible Plaque Index (VPI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and Microbiological Analysis.

Results: The total number of patients utilized for the study was 36 (18 in each group). The final sample amounted to 70% (14/20) in the Study Group and to 75% (15/20) in the Control Group. In both examined groups Oral Hygiene, Gingival Health State and Microbiological Analysis show an overall improvement of the indices, compared with the initial status, mostly at a follow-up after 4 weeks. However, Study Group show a significantly better improvement. Conversely, after 6 months the overall clinical indices worsened again.

Conclusion: The difference in the significant improvements of the groups, even if only over a short-time evaluation, endorses that the participation of the patients as well as tutors in the educational phase is an effective strategy for the short-term.

Keywords: disabilities; disabled patients; oral diseases; oral health.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow of participants.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Total bacterial load.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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