Factors Influencing the Oral Health Behaviours of Autistic Children and Young People
A Qualitative Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19506261 |
|---|---|
| Authors | James Erwin (0000-0002-9648-4825, Peninsula Dental School University of Plymouth Plymouth UK), Sarah Neill (0000-0001-9699-078X, School of Nursing and Midwifery University of Plymouth Plymouth UK), Tara Vassallo (0000-0002-7743-9834, Plymouth Institute of Education University of Plymouth Plymouth UK), Isaac Vassallo (School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics University of Plymouth Plymouth UK), Robert Witton (0000-0002-6424-4376, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry), Rob Witton (Peninsula Dental School University of Plymouth Plymouth UK), Martha Paisi (0000-0001-5718-008X, Peninsula Dental School University of Plymouth Plymouth UK, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | e70130-e70130 |
| Publication date | 2024-12-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Health Expectations (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/hex.70130 |
| PMID | 39690875 |
| OpenAlex | W4405557934 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 36 |
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
Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Developmental psychology · Health care · Neurotypical · Qualitative research · Clinical Psychology · Dental Health and Care Utilization · HIV/AIDS oral health manifestations · Medicine · Nursing · Oral and Craniofacial Lesions · Psychology
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| Highly cited | No |
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