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Exploring the Barriers to Oral Health Care Perceived by Parents/ Caregivers of Children with Disabilities in Qatar

Najat Abdrabbo Alyafei*, Bushra Naaz Fathima Jaleel, Tintu Mathew

Background: The impact of dental diseases is more profound and prolonged among children with disabilities as they are reliant on their parents/caregivers for their oral health care as well as dental treatment needs as the parents/ caregivers of these challenged children assume the primary decision-making role. The potential barriers perceived by the parents/caregivers have a significant bearing on the oral health of disabled children. We aim to elicit these barriers so as to provide valuable insights towards the planning and implementation of the oral health programs.

Objectives: 1. To explores the barriers to oral health care perceived by parents/caregivers of children with disabilities in Qatar. 2. To compare the perceived barriers between parents/caregivers of physically and intellectually disabled children.

Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive, questionnaire study was carried out among parents/caregivers of children with disabilities who attended eight Special Needs Public Schools in Qatar. A Chi-square test was employed to evaluate the association of perceived barriers with the type of disability.

Results: 84 parents/caregivers (89%) were not aware of the oral treatment facilities available for their challenged children. 79% reported a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding the prevention and treatment of dental diseases. 41% also perceived that the dentist would be reluctant to treat their disabled children.

Conclusion: The results of this study depict the potential barriers perceived by the parents/caregivers towards oral health care of their disabled children.