Abstract:
ackground: Oral health care is the most common unmet need among individuals with a disability. Individuals with a disability may
have compromised oral health needs due to neglect from parents, socioeconomic problems, and communication barriers. In Ethiopia,
there is a lack of data on oral health status of the hearing-impaired population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the oral health
status of hearing-impaired students in the Amhara region, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021 on hearing-impaired students in Amhara region,
Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested interview administered questionnaire and clinical examination. Oral cavity was
evaluated using the simplified oral hygiene index, decayed, missed and filled teeth, and community periodontal index. Data analysis
was done using SPSS 26.0, and logistic regression analysis was done to identify the risk factors of dental caries and periodontal
disease.
Results: A total of 149 hearing impaired students with an age range of 7–30 years were involved in the study. The prevalence of
periodontal disease and dental caries was 22.8% (95% CI: 16.8, 30.4) and 38.9% (95% CI; 32.2, 46.9), respectively. Being grade 1–4
student (AOR = 3.94, 95%: 1.16, 13.38), lack of formal education (AOR = 4.98, 95% CI: 1.00, 24.65), dental caries (AOR = 2.51,
95% CI: 1.08, 5.08) and bleeding on probing (AOR = 9.98, 95% CI: 3.69, 26.64) were statistically significant with periodontal disease.
Grade level, parents’ support during brushing, oral health status, and medication intake were independent factors for dental caries.
Conclusion: In the present study, a significant number of hearing-impaired students had periodontal disease and dental caries. School
oral health programs and caregivers assisted oral hygiene practices are essential to combat oral health problems in hearing-impaired
students. Moreover, a nationwide prospective study with a large sample size will be required to reflect the oral health status of hearingimpaired individuals in the country.
Keywords: oral health status, hearing impairment, dental caries, periodontal disease, DMFT
