DSpace Collection:http://hdl.handle.net/10722/13412024-03-19T12:57:06Z2024-03-19T12:57:06ZDental outreach service to sex workers in Hong KongChan, Cheuk Kwan CharlotteChan, Chun Kit WilsonCheung, Yuk Yu KittyChiu, Tsz Hang HenryFung, Hiu Tung VanessaKwok, Yee Ting KatieLu, Guiting LucyNg, Wing Yan OpheliaTang, Pak Hin ThomasTsoi, Hoi MeiYuen, Chun Hin, Henryhttp://hdl.handle.net/10722/3340082023-10-18T09:03:13Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Dental outreach service to sex workers in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan, Cheuk Kwan Charlotte; Chan, Chun Kit Wilson; Cheung, Yuk Yu Kitty; Chiu, Tsz Hang Henry; Fung, Hiu Tung Vanessa; Kwok, Yee Ting Katie; Lu, Guiting Lucy; Ng, Wing Yan Ophelia; Tang, Pak Hin Thomas; Tsoi, Hoi Mei; Yuen, Chun Hin, Henry
Abstract: Background
International oral health studies conducted on sex workers have found a
higher-than-average prevalence of oral health problems in this population. These findings
have been attributed to work-related engagement in risk factors for oral lesions and barriers
to accessing dental treatment. However, there has been no clinical oral health study
conducted on sex workers in Hong Kong to date. This project aimed to collect pilot data on
the oral health status of sex workers in Hong Kong, whilst bridging a gap in dental treatment
access by providing outreach services including oral examinations and oral hygiene
education. The findings were analysed and compared to the 2011 Hong Kong Oral Health
Survey (OHS) and a past research project surveying the oral health beliefs of sex workers.
Methods
Current and former sex workers from four NGOs based in Hong Kong were recruited
for the project. Participants were invited to complete a sociodemographic questionnaire,
which collected data on risk factors for oral mucosal lesions, working practices, oral health
behaviours and attitudes towards dental treatment. Participants then attended an oral
examination, which involved an extra-oral examination and an intraoral assessment of the
oral soft tissues, periodontal status, presence of caries and tooth wear, and existing
restorations. Oral health education was provided in the form of informational leaflets and live
demonstrations of oral hygiene tools. Participants who were found to require more complex
treatment were informed of their conditions and, where appropriate, referred to the Prince
Philip Dental Hospital (PPDH) for further care.
Results
43 current and former sex workers participated. They were predominantly female,
Chinese, aged between 35 and 54 years and currently employed in the sex industry. On the
whole, participants were aware of the link between sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
and oral health. The majority did not have regular dental check-up habits due to a lack of
perceived need. However, more than three-quarters presented with caries and periodontal
disease upon examination, which is significantly greater than the general adult population of
Hong Kong. All participants received individualised oral hygiene education and over 90% of
participants received fluoride varnish. Oral mucosal lesions were found in two participants, of
which one was referred to a specialist.
Conclusion
The oral health status of sex workers in Hong Kong is far from satisfactory, and
greater education and service provision should be made accessible to improve the current
situation. The stigma associated with the sex industry in Hong Kong created difficulties in
recruiting participants for the study. Due to the limited sample size, statistical significance
was not reached for many of the assessed parameters. Further larger-scale studies should
be conducted, and the results compared to more recent oral health surveys to determine
whether the Hong Kong sex worker population does indeed have a greater oral health
burden than the general population. It is hoped that the project has provided the participants
with greater oral health awareness and understanding of their own treatment needs.2023-01-01T00:00:00ZDental outreach service to Hong Kong school students with visual impairmentBae, Seon YeongChan, Yi YungIp, Ching KiuLau, Sik HongLau, Yin NgaiLee, Ka YiLeung, Karen Pui YanLi, Joyce Tin WingLo, Hei YuetTang, Shuk KwanYuen, Wing Tunghttp://hdl.handle.net/10722/3340062023-10-18T09:03:12Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Dental outreach service to Hong Kong school students with visual impairment
Authors: Bae, Seon Yeong; Chan, Yi Yung; Ip, Ching Kiu; Lau, Sik Hong; Lau, Yin Ngai; Lee, Ka Yi; Leung, Karen Pui Yan; Li, Joyce Tin Wing; Lo, Hei Yuet; Tang, Shuk Kwan; Yuen, Wing Tung
Abstract: Previous systematic reviews have found that visually impaired children and adolescents had poorer oral health, higher prevalence of caries, periodontal inflammation and trauma experience than their sighted counterparts. There is currently insufficient data on the oral health status of this demographic in Hong Kong, yet they account for 2.7% of the population. They experience barriers when accessing professional dental care, and struggle to maintain their oral hygiene without proper guidance. To address these issues, this pilot cross-sectional study aims to provide preventive dental care service, promote oral health care, as well as to investigate the oral health conditions of visually impaired children and young adults in Hong Kong.
One hundred and three students with vision impairment, aged between 6 to 21 years old, attending Ebenezer School and Home for the Visually Impaired were invited to participate in the outreach project. Consent forms and digital questionnaires were distributed to parents prior to the examination. On the day of the outreach project, simple dental check-ups were performed. Dental trauma and caries were diagnosed using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Decayed-Missing-and-Filled-Teeth (DMFT) index and Visible Plaque Index (VPI) were used to assess and record the oral condition. Customized oral hygiene instructions were given to each participant following the check-up. Topical fluoride varnish and/or silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment was also provided according to the needs of the individual. To conclude the service, an oral health education talk was delivered to parents, caretakers and staff. Lastly, a post-service questionnaire was sent to all participants to collect feedback for programme evaluation.
A total of 73 participants were recruited, with 31.5% of the participants diagnosed as severely visually impaired; 34.2% were moderately visually impaired and the rest were mildly visually impaired. Regarding their oral health behaviour, more than half (57.5%) brushed their teeth independently; and a vast majority brushed their teeth at least twice daily. 88% of the participants attended regular dental check-ups. Parents indicated via the questionnaire that the barriers to access dental care were expensive fees, uncooperative children, difficulty in finding suitable dentists and communication. A total of 32 (43.8%) participants had caries experiences (dmft or DMFT > 0). Their mean DMFT score (SD) was 1.0 (1.8). The overall mean (SD) for VPI across all students was 0.76 (0.30), and approximately one in seven experienced dental traumas.
Overall, the oral health of visually impaired children and young adults is unsatisfactory. Dental caries is prevalent and oral hygiene status is poor among all age groups. of people with visual impairment. Most participants (98%) were satisfied with the service provided and felt that the outreach experience had helped improve their oral health.2023-01-01T00:00:00ZDental care soldiers : outreach service for the older persons in Cheung ChauChan, Yuen Tung MeganFok, Elise Hoi WanHo, Ka PoLi, QiKuo, Ho WangKwong, GordonLam, Chun MingSo, Charmaine Man KaySum, Ka HoWong, Nga Yuhttp://hdl.handle.net/10722/3340042023-10-18T09:03:11Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Dental care soldiers : outreach service for the older persons in Cheung Chau
Authors: Chan, Yuen Tung Megan; Fok, Elise Hoi Wan; Ho, Ka Po; Li, Qi; Kuo, Ho Wang; Kwong, Gordon; Lam, Chun Ming; So, Charmaine Man Kay; Sum, Ka Ho; Wong, Nga Yu
Abstract: Background: The demographic structure of Hong Kong has shown a trend of an aging population in recent years, suggesting a growing demand for health care for the older persons. Yet, according to the Oral Health Survey 2011, the oral health status of the older persons in Hong Kong has room for improvement. Hence, it is paramount to emphasise and investigate further the oral health of the older persons, particularly those who live on remote islands where accessibility to dental care may be limited.
Objective: This project aimed to promote the oral health of the older persons in Cheung Chau, to study and describe their oral health status (condition & behaviour), to identify the potential barriers to seeking dental treatment, and to provide oral examinations, oral hygiene instruction, and simple treatments to the older persons in Cheung Chau.
Methods: The main components of this outreach service were 1) basic oral examination, 2) oral hygiene instructions, 3) provision of simple preventive treatments, and 4) questionnaires. The oral health status of the participants was collected through oral examinations, and background information was collected through the questionnaire survey. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis and chi-squared exact test) were performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results: A total of 70 older persons participated in the outreach. Approximately half of the respondents considered their oral conditions as very poor or poor. Clinical results indeed revealed that the mean DMFT value of 16.0, and more than 50% of the participants had 4 as their highest BPE score among the six examined sextants. Yet, almost half of the participants did not receive dental care for over two years. 62.9% of the participants were worried about the high financial costs of dental treatments, and at the same time, 58.6% of them were also concerned about the lack of dentists in Cheung Chau when asked about potential barriers to seeking dental care. In the outreach service, scaling was performed on 53 participants, fluoride varnish was applied on 16, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) was applied on 20, and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) was performed on 13.
Conclusion: Our study provided a brief overview of the oral health status of the older persons living in Cheung Chau, while highlighting some of the barriers that the Cheung Chau older persons may face when seeking dental treatment. Brief oral examinations, oral hygiene instructions, and basic preventive and restorative treatments were also provided to the participants.2023-01-01T00:00:00ZPrevalence and impact of dentine hypersensitivity in Hong KongChik, Hok Lam HoraceChong, HamFan, Hoi KiuFung, Long YinLee, Tsz Ching CathyMak, Yuen YingShum, Yan YinTam, Cheuk Yiu BonnieWo, Yik ShunWong, Tsz Yanhttp://hdl.handle.net/10722/3340022023-10-18T09:03:10Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Prevalence and impact of dentine hypersensitivity in Hong Kong
Authors: Chik, Hok Lam Horace; Chong, Ham; Fan, Hoi Kiu; Fung, Long Yin; Lee, Tsz Ching Cathy; Mak, Yuen Ying; Shum, Yan Yin; Tam, Cheuk Yiu Bonnie; Wo, Yik Shun; Wong, Tsz Yan
Abstract: Aims: To determine the prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH) and its impact on oral
health related quality of life in Hong Kong SAR, and to identify variations in its prevalence
and its impact. Methods: A web-based oral health survey was conducted among a convenience
sample of Hong Kong SAR residents. Participants reported on their experience of DH, impacts
of DH on their quality of life, potential risk factors and management strategies for DH, and
provided details of their socio-demographic profile. Variations in the prevalence of DH and the
impact of DH were determined in bivariate and regression analyses. Results: Most (79.8%,
386) reported to have experienced DH. Experience of DH was associated with demographic
factors: age group (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.01,2.59, P<0.05), educational level (OR 0.52, 95% CI
0.30, 0.92, P<0.05) and with risk factors: gum recession (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.18, 3.30, P<0.01),
parafunctional habits (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.26, 5.54, P<0.01). Among those who experienced
DH, most (96.9%, 376/386) encountered impacts/experiences in daily life. DHEQ scores was
associated with demographic factors: age group (β 0.16, P<0.001) and educational level (β -
0.20, P<0.001), and with DH characteristics: frequency (β 0.10, P<0.05), duration (β -0.16,
P<0.001) and pain intensity (β 0.21, P<0.001). Conclusions: Among participants of our
Community Health Project, reported DH was very common and it also frequently impacted on
their daily lives. Experience of DH and its impact was associated with age group and
educational attainment. Risk factors were associated with experience of DH (gum recession,
parafunctional habits). DH experience was associated with the impact on daily lives
(frequency, duration and intensity of pain). These findings have implications in highlighting
the importance of DH and the need for effective and efficient management approaches.2023-01-01T00:00:00Z