Assistive technologies for improving the oral hygiene of leprosy patients residing in a former leprosy colony in Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

BackgroundThis study deals with management of a group of elderly patients with a history of leprosy and hand deformities by a multidisciplinary team of dentists and occupational therapists. Assistive technology devices have been developed to allow such patients to obtain independence in oral self-care and can be a cost-effective approach to improving oral care in this population. The objective of this study was to describe the development of assistive devices to facilitate daily oral hygiene in older people with enduring leprosy-related impairments.MethodologyCase study realized among elders with a history of leprosy residents in a former isolation colony in Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The elders were evaluated for dependence on others for denture hygiene and mouthwash using the Daily Oral Hygiene Activity Index (ADOH). Those deemed partially or completely dependent on others were eligible for an intervention based on assistive technology. We adopted a personalized approach to each case, taking into account medical history, physical impairment and living environment. Six months after the intervention, the participants were assessed again using the ADOH and an unstructured interview about use of the devices.Principal findingsAssistive devices for denture hygiene and mouthwash were developed for 16 elders. These devices facilitated oral hygiene in most patients and there was no worsening in any of the cases. Patients’ report suggested they were satisfied with the devices provided.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that assistive devices can facilitate oral hygiene activities in leprosy patients. It also reinforces the importance of using a multidisciplinary team for the rehabilitation of these patients.

Creating communities of care: Sex estimation and mobility histories of adolescents buried in the cemetery of St. Mary Magdalen leprosarium (Winchester, England)

“…19 was found with artifacts adapted for another use (e.g., modified feeding bowls) associated with difficulties this individual may have experienced with eating as a consequence of leprosy (e.g., impaired hand function, as inferred from bilateral bone changes of the hand bones) (Filipek, Roberts, Gowland, & Tucker, 2021 ; Lastória & Abreu, 2014 ; Roffey & Tucker, 2012 ). The use of personalized assistive devices has also recently been documented in people with leprosy with “Grade 2 disabilities” (i.e., visible deformity or damage to the extremities, and/or severe visual impairment) in Brazil (Ferreira et al, 2018 ). These have enabled a number of individuals to regain independence in oral hygiene, although a reluctance to use the devices was noted in some, whether through frustration, lack of interest in learning how to use them, shame, or a denial of disability (Ferreira et al, 2018 ).…”

“…The use of personalized assistive devices has also recently been documented in people with leprosy with “Grade 2 disabilities” (i.e., visible deformity or damage to the extremities, and/or severe visual impairment) in Brazil (Ferreira et al, 2018 ). These have enabled a number of individuals to regain independence in oral hygiene, although a reluctance to use the devices was noted in some, whether through frustration, lack of interest in learning how to use them, shame, or a denial of disability (Ferreira et al, 2018 ). Sk.…”

Causes of Death among Persons Affected by Leprosy in Korea, 2010–2013

“…1,2 Accordingly, strategies for managing people affected by leprosy (PALs) have been revised. Rather than emphasizing acute-phase treatment, the emphasis is now on the quality of life (QOL), 3 oral hygiene, 4 preventing disabilities, and eradicating the stigma and discrimination experienced by elderly PALs. [5][6][7] In addition, some studies have examined diabetes and hepatitis in PALs.…”