The oral hygiene status of people with dysphagia: a descriptive study.
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Date
2018
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess and describe the oral hygiene problems of adults admitted
to a sub-acute rehabilitation hospital who presented with dysphagia.
A descriptive, cross-sectional survey study design was followed and took place at a sub-acute
rehabilitation hospital, based in the private sector. The 40 participants, 57.50% (n=23) male
and 42.50% (n=17) female, were identified using non-probability, purposive sampling and
underwent various assessments during the two phases of data collection. Phase I consisted of
three steps: (1) assess the swallow function of participants, using the Mann Assessment of
Swallow Ability (MASA), (2) screening the oral hygiene of participants with confirmed
dysphagia, using an adapted version of the Oral Health Assessment Tool to identify any oral
hygiene problems, and (3) sample the oral microbia to detect bacteria not considered part of
the normal oral flora. Phase II of the study refers to the descriptive and statistical analysis of
the data.
A high likelihood for aspiration was a common feature for most participants who presented
with dysphagia (42.50%). The main swallowing problems were related to lingual strength,
the ability to manage saliva, bolus clearance and effectiveness of the cough. A high
prevalence of deficient oral hygiene and oral colonization (62.50%) was found. The most
commonly occurring bacteria groups and species were: (1) Candida albicans and (2)
respiratory pathogens, e.g. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus growth. The
oral hygiene status of people who presented with dysphagia showed that it increases the
likelihood for poor oral hygiene, which creates favourable environments for bacteria to
flourish, as well as the prevalence of pathogenic oral bacteria, which is associated with the
development of aspiration pneumonia. The management of oral health issues for persons with
dysphagia should receive greater attention during hospitalization.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.