Page 27 - FINAL COMPENDIUM 2020-2021 27.2.2022

IMPACT OF ORAL HEALTH ON QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL) OF TODDLERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
NMRR-18-901-40126

Siti Zuriana MZ
Introduction: Oral health problems can impact the quality of life through affecting oral
functions and social interactions. Thus, it can cause social, economic and psychological
consequences. Objective: To investigate the association between oral health promotion
and prevention programme in nurseries with children's Oral Health Related Quality of Life
(OHRQoL). Materials and methods: Oral impact assessment on the quality of life of
children and their families was measured by the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale
(Malay-ECOHIS). This observational intervention study involved 689 toddlers aged 0 – 4
years old and their parents in Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya from January
to December 2018. The children were divided into intervention (n=336) and control group
(n=353). The Dedicated Promotion Team performed oral examinations on these toddlers
and administered the Malay-ECOHIS questionnaires to their parents. Data were analysed
by chi squared test, t-test and ANOVA. Results: At baseline, these children frequently
complained of pain, difficulties in eating and pronouncing words while their parents
constantly felt upset. Children with ≥ 4 decayed or treated teeth had higher ECOHIS scores
on both Child Impact Score and Family Impact Score than those who were free of dental
disease at the end of the study. Although the children’s tooth brushing frequency
improved significantly, their oral cleanliness worsened. Conclusion: The association
between oral health promotion and prevention programme with children’s OHRQoL was
not significant. Nevertheless, oral health promotion and prevention programme can be
strengthened by engaging active involvement of parents and teachers towards toddlers’
oral health quality of life.

nd
Oral presentation at the 2 International Conference on Public Health and Well-being 2021, “Current Public Health
Practices: Building Resilience and Well-being” on 21-22 January 2021
Dr Siti Zuriana binti Mohd Zamzuri
Oral Health Programme
Ministry of Health, Malaysia

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