Experience of children and adolescents with visual impairment and the role of their representatives regarding oral health

Authors

  • Mónica Beatriz Dávila Arcentales Universidad Politécnica Salesiana. Carrera de Odontología. Docencia e Investigación. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5098-6133
  • Israel Sebastián Idrovo Landy Universidad de Cuenca. Departamento Interdisciplinario de Espacio y Población. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0822-8731

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18537/RFCM.43.01.02

Keywords:

visually impaired persons, health education dental, oral health

Abstract

Introduction: visual impairment (VI) presents several challenges and its impact on oral health has not been sufficiently explored in the scientific literature. This study investigates the experiences of children and adolescents (CA) with VI, and their representatives, regarding their oral health practices and knowledge, in order to identify difficulties and better understand their specific needs.

Objective: to learn about the experience of children and adolescents with VI and the role of their representatives regarding oral health.

Methodology: a qualitative phenomenological research design oriented to content analysis using semi-structured interviews and participant observation was carried out. Ten children and adolescents with VI between 6 and 12 years of age were included with their representatives. Chain sampling was used to recruit participants. The analysis was carried out through inductive and deductive coding, categorizing a priori knowledge, oral hygiene practices and the role of the representatives; as an emerging category, the difficulties experienced were analyzed. The Atlas Ti version 23 software was used to manage and analyze the data collected.

Results: in order to learn about the experience of children and adolescents with VI, knowledge, practices and difficulties related to oral care were evaluated. Participants showed basic knowledge about the importance and prevention of oral diseases. Regarding practices, variations in brushing frequency and technique were evidenced. Barriers in oral care and lack of adapted products were identified. Mothers were the main caregivers, playing a fundamental role in daily care.

Conclusion: differences were identified in relation to oral care knowledge and practices, as well as the difficulties they face in accessing adequate information. Representatives play a key role in the maintenance of oral health, although they also showed deficiencies in their knowledge.

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Author Biographies

Mónica Beatriz Dávila Arcentales, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana. Carrera de Odontología. Docencia e Investigación.

Master in Health Sciences Research. University of Cuenca
Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry
Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Cuenca.

Israel Sebastián Idrovo Landy, Universidad de Cuenca. Departamento Interdisciplinario de Espacio y Población.

PhD. in Society and Culture. Social Anthropology from the University of Barcelona.
Master in Anthropology. Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences-Ecuador.
Master in Latin American Studies. University of Cuenca
Professor at the University of Cuenca.
Director of the Interdisciplinary Department of Space and Population DIEP.
Co-founder of the Center for Interdisciplinary Ethnography KALEIDOS. University of Cuenca.
Topics of study and interest: urban anthropology, anthropology of the senses and anthropology of disabilities.

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Published

2025-04-01

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 1 (2025): Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca

Section

Original Article

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Mónica Beatriz Dávila Arcentales, Israel Sebastián Idrovo Landy

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