Educational Programme on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Oral Care/Hygiene Provision by Healthcare Providers to Older Residents in Long-Term Care Institutions: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

<p>Background: Much attention has been paid to advocate proper oral care/hygiene provision<br>by healthcare providers in long-term care institutions (LTCIs). This study aimed to evaluate the<br>effects of an oral health education (OHE) programme (intervention) on knowledge, attitudes, and<br>practice (KAP) of healthcare providers in providing oral care/hygiene to older residents in LTCIs.<br>Methods: A case control study was conducted at two LTCIs, with one assigned as the intervention<br>group and the other as the control group. A KAP survey was administered before and after the<br>intervention, and oral status was assessed by standardized clinical photographs taken before and<br>after oral hygiene provision on three older residents. Results: A total of 40 healthcare providers (20 in<br>intervention and 20 in control groups) participated, with the attitudes and overall KAP significantly<br>improved in the intervention group after the OHE programme. Interestingly, the knowledge of those<br>in the control LTCI was significantly declined at re-evaluation (mean scores were from 17.25 to 14.30),<br>indicating inadequate oral health and care training despite having more experience in taking care<br>of older people. Significant differences in practice were observed between the two groups after the<br>OHE programme (p = 0.006). The three older residents exhibited poor oral health and multiple oral<br>problems. Conclusions: This study revealed that the OHE programme effectively improved attitudes<br>of the healthcare providers and provided a sustaining effect on attitude towards oral health and oral<br>care. However, there were still inadequacies in oral hygiene provision by some healthcare providers,<br>possibly due to unattended oral diseases and hygiene needs, as well as personal and environmental<br>barriers that merit further investigation. Regular evaluation and enforcement of oral care/hygiene<br>provision in LTCIs are necessary to maintain oral health and prevent dental and gum diseases in<br>older residents. Immediate referral for dental treatment is recommended for older people with signs<br>of dental/oral disease(s).<br>Keywords: oral care; older; knowledge; attitudes; practice; healthcare providers; long-term care institutions<br></p>