Oral Health Status and Barriers to Oral Healthcare Among CP Children Attending a Health Care Center in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Abstract Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neuromuscular condition diagnosed in childhood. CP as a form of disability, does not cause any specific oral disease. However, some oral conditions are more commonly associated with CP patients compared to the general population. The overarching aim of the current study was to determine the oral hygiene status, gingival status, and the prevalence of dental caries in children with CP attending a leading hospital institution for children with disabilities in Kampala, Uganda. Additionally, we determined the barriers faced by children with CP in accessing oral healthcare. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services Uganda (CoRSU) hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Our study population consisted of a convenient sample of 90 children diagnosed with CP aged 3–17 years and their caregivers. A validated and interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data of the participants. A modified World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment form for those aged 3–17 years was used to gather data on oral health status. Descriptive statistics was conducted to summarize demographic variables. T-test, ANOVA, and chi-square tests were conducted to identify factors associated with oral health outcomes (plaque score, gingival bleeding, and dental caries). Critical value was set up at 5%. Results Our findings showed that only 32.2% of the children evaluated had adequate oral hygiene and gingival bleeding was present in 44.4% of them. The prevalence of dental caries for both deciduous and permanent dentition was 63.3%, with DMFT values of 3.8 (SD = 4.5). The most common barrier that the caregivers reported was the challenge in modality or transportation availability from the children’s homes to the health facilities (34.4%). Conclusions The present study shows that children with CP in Uganda have significant prevalence of oral diseases and face several barriers to oral healthcare. Results from this study aim at providing relevant support to advocate for a nationwide change in policy to improve access to dental care to decrease the burden of oral diseases in children with special healthcare needs.