Oral health and long-term health conditions: An exploratory study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of oral health problems on children with long-term health conditions: an exploratory study
IRAS ID
321125
Contact name
Sondos Albadri
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Long-term health conditions have been defined as '“conditions that cannot, at present, be cured but are controlled by medication and/or other treatment/therapies”. Data from 2018 suggests that around 23% of young people of secondary school age have a long-term health condition. Long-term health conditions can have a big impact on the lives of children, causing pain and fatigue as well as impacting their daily activities. Children and young people with long-term health conditions are also at increased risk of oral health problems, such as dental decay and mouth ulcers. Whilst we know that oral health problems affect the lives of children and young people, we know little about how they affect the lives of children and young people with long-term health conditions.
This study aims to explore the impact that oral health problems have on children and young people with long-term health conditions. Children and young people aged 8-16 who receive care within Alder Hey Children's Hospital and have experience of a long-term health condition and an oral health problem will be invited to take part. The study will involve interviews with a researcher giving children an opportunity to discuss their experiences of oral health problems. Following this, key themes from the discussions will be identified. All results will be shared with the children and young people involved. The results will be also be presented at a scientific conference and published in a scientific journal.
Lay summary of study results:
Four themes were developed: (1) Adverse impact of oral health problems on quality of life, (2) Bidirectional relationship between oral health and LTHCs, (3) Trial and error management of oral health problems and (4) Obstacles to healthcare delivery.
Children and young people unanimously reported pain as a significant consequence of oral health problems. Children and young people compared pain experiences from different parts of the body. The mouth has an essential function in eating and speaking, and where it gives continuous pain, management can be complex as it could not be avoided or rested in the same way as other parts of the body. New perspectives were provided to demonstrate how wider impacts of long term health conditions, such as reduced mobility, can negatively impact oral hygiene routines. Parents have a key role in supporting children and young people in both understanding and managing oral health problems. There was a desire for healthcare professionals to have an increased knowledge regarding long-term health conditions and their implications on oral health.REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/1707
Date of REC Opinion
9 Feb 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion