Oral health status of chemotherapy patients, subjected to additional oral hygiene instruction at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi Pakistan: Per-post design

Among patients undergoing chemotherapy, disturbances in the oral mucosa is a major concern. Oral complications associated with cancer chemotherapy can be somewhat averted through excellent oral hygiene practices. One of the most significant barriers in the implementation of oral care is lack of knowledge. The purpose of dissemination of oral hygiene education to the patients is to enlighten individuals and groups about the fundamental aspects of their oral health and attempt to change their behavior and encourage them to continue improving their own health. The study aimed to assess gingival and periodontal health of chemotherapy patients before and after the provision of oral hygiene instructions. METHODOLOGY: One group, pre and post-test study was performed to assess the oral health of chemotherapy patients at the Daycare chemotherapy of Aga Khan University Hospital. Oral hygiene instructions were explained with dental study models, leaflets and a short video at the baseline and then patients were followed for next 6-weeks. Oral health was assessed by using Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and Community Periodontal Index Treatment Needs (CPITN). Differences in indices were analyzed in STATA version-15.0 using Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) and Wilcoxon Signed-rank test. RESULTS: Out of 74 enrolled, 53 (72%) patients completed study follow-up. Change in the OHI-S (from poor to fair) was found in 14 (26%) patients (P-value CONCLUSION: Basic oral hygiene instructional intervention can be effective in improving the oral hygiene of chemotherapy patients. Advanced educational programs need to be implemented to observe its influential effects on the oral health status of chemotherapy patient