Factors Influencing the Oral Health Behaviours of Autistic Children and Young People: A Qualitative Study

IF 3 3区医学 Q2 HEALTH CARE SCIENCES & SERVICES

Health Expectations Pub Date : 2024-12-17 DOI:10.1111/hex.70130

Jo Erwin, Sarah Neill, Tara Vassallo, Isaac Vassallo, Rob Witton, Martha Paisi

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Abstract

Background

Poor oral health (OH) in childhood can cause pain, affect quality of life and significantly impact adult OH. Autistic children and young people (CYP) experience inequalities in OH and are at higher risk of cavities and gum disease than neurotypical CYP.

Objective

To provide evidence and insights into the factors affecting the OH behaviours of ACYP from the perspective of ACYP, their parents/carers and Dental Health Professionals (DHPs).

Method

Semi-structured online or face-to-face interviews were conducted with CYP, parents/carers and DHPs in Southwest England.

Results

Nineteen ACYP (aged 5–18 years old), 20 parents/carers and 16 DHPs were interviewed. The themes identified were as follows: Sensory sensitivities and diet; Toothbrushing ‘battles’; Coping with the stresses of daily life in a neurotypical world; Awareness of autism and understanding of challenges to good OH; The impact on parents of trying to care their child's OH; CYP and parent/carers difficulties in obtaining OH support; What ‘good support’ looks like.

Conclusions

An increased awareness among DHPs, health and social care professionals of autism and the challenges to OH that CYP face is needed. Providing early support, strategies and resources to CYP and their parents/carers has the potential to help establish positive OH behaviours.

Public Contribution

The research team worked closely with members of the autistic community on this project. The methods used in this project were developed together with a research advisory group which included four ACYP (aged 9–17) and their parents. The team also worked with members of a youth club for ACYP aged 10–17 years old. All research documents and materials were co-produced. Members of the advisory group (T.V. and I.V.) contributed to the interpretation of the research findings and the writing of this manuscript.

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来源期刊

Health Expectations 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生

CiteScore

5.20

自引率

9.40%

发文量

251

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： Health Expectations promotes critical thinking and informed debate about all aspects of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in health and social care, health policy and health services research including: • Person-centred care and quality improvement • Patients'' participation in decisions about disease prevention and management • Public perceptions of health services • Citizen involvement in health care policy making and priority-setting • Methods for monitoring and evaluating participation • Empowerment and consumerism • Patients'' role in safety and quality • Patient and public role in health services research • Co-production (researchers working with patients and the public) of research, health care and policy Health Expectations is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal publishing original research, review articles and critical commentaries. It includes papers which clarify concepts, develop theories, and critically analyse and evaluate specific policies and practices. The Journal provides an inter-disciplinary and international forum in which researchers (including PPIE researchers) from a range of backgrounds and expertise can present their work to other researchers, policy-makers, health care professionals, managers, patients and consumer advocates.