Caries experience in caregiver‐intellectual deficient pair: Influence of caregiver's psychological morbidity

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate how determinants of psychological morbidity were associated with dental caries experience in the caregiver-intellectual deficient pair. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 299 pair, who had their oral health status assessed using the DMFT index (decayed, missing and filled teeth). Symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, quality of sleep, and socioeconomic variables were measured in caregivers. Adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression with the caregiver and children's caries index as outcome. Results:The average prevalence of DMFT/dmft was 7.48 (SD ± 3.9) for students with ID and DMFT was 14.7 (SD ± 8.1) for their caregivers. For the caregiver's oral health, the following psychic comorbidities were associated with worse oral health condition: anxiety (PR = 1.48; 95%CI 1.07-2.06), depression (PR = 1.39; 95%CI 1.05-1.85), high level of stress (PR = 1.58; 95%CI 1.17-2.13) and sleep disorders (PR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.18-2.14). For people with ID, the caregiver's psychic comorbidities also showed association with a worse oral health condition, including anxiety (PR = 1.31; 95%CI 1.03-1.74), depression (PR = 1.28; 95%CI 1.01-1.67) and high level of stress (PR = 1.63; 95%CI 1.14-2.32), as well as mother's high level of DMFT (PR = 1.96; 95%CI 1.28-3.03). Conclusion:Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were associated with higher levels of dental caries experience for caregivers and for people with intellectual disabilities.

Caregiving of children with Down syndrome: impact on quality of life, stress, mental and oral health

“…A recent study reported that symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were associated with higher levels of dental caries experience for caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities 6 . With regard to dental caries experience, the present study showed similar results for the two groups of caregivers.…”

“…In the present study, when evaluating oral health conditions, parental caregivers of children with DS had a higher rate of gingival bleeding compared to controls. This observation suggests that oral health care may be deficient in these caregivers, in agreement with previous studies that have indicated that caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities have little time for themselves and their own care 6,26 . Caregivers often neglect their own health in favor of prioritizing the person being cared for, leading to the deterioration of their health and quality of life 5,6,27 …”

“…Caregiving has been often associated with worsen physical and mental health activities, poorer economic conditions, lack of emotional support and poor quality of life. The caregiver of a disabled person is usually a family member who does not have specific training, knowledge, or psychological skills for the daily duties 1–6 . Caregivers of children with Down syndrome (DS) present a high burden, as they are deeply engaged in their child's education and care.…”

“…Caregivers of children with Down syndrome (DS) present a high burden, as they are deeply engaged in their child's education and care. Parental caregivers of these children may develop chronic disorders that are often stress‐related, including depression and anxiety disorders 2,3,6,7 …”

“…Previous studies have indicated that chronic stress could be related to tooth decay due to lifestyle changes, such as excessive sugar intake and poor oral hygiene, or stress‐induced changes in salivary flow and composition 6,8–10 …”