Effectiveness of a personally-tailored oral care program on improving periodontal status among Thai persons with physical disabilities in Pathum Thani province, Thailand

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the Personally-Tailored Oral Care Program on improving periodontal status among Thai persons with physical disabilities. This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Independent Living Center, a community club for persons with disabilities in Pathum Thani province, Thailand from February to May 2018. Total of 80 members who registered in Ladlumkaeo district (control) and Thanyaburi district (intervention), Pathum Thani Province were included (each group comprising 40 participants). Data were analyzed by using Chi-square test, t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance. The results, there were strongly significant difference in bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI) and oral health behavior knowledge mean score (p<0.001) and there was a significant difference in oral health literacy (p = 0.027) between the intervention and control group at the 12-week follow-up. Substantially significant differences in BOP, PI, OHB and OHL mean score were found within the intervention group after they received the Personally-Tailored Oral Care Program (p< 0.001). The Personally-Tailored Oral Care Program was effective for improving periodontal condition and generated oral health behavior knowledge and oral health literacy among Thai persons with physical disabilities.