Sign language based educational interventions vs. other educational interventions to improve the oral health of hearing-impaired individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with special needs requiring special care are more vulnerable to oral health problems. Sign language is a communication medium and language of instruction for individuals with hearing impairments. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of sign language-based educational interventions compared to other educational interventions in improving the oral health of hearing-impaired individuals. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched without any restriction on the publication date. Analytical and experimental studies that evaluated and compared the effectiveness of sign language with other educational intervention groups such as videos, posters etc were included. RESULTS: Initially, 5568 records were identified. Three relevant publications from India were eligible and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Differences were reported in favour of sign language over other interventions concerning plaque status, gingival health, and oral hygiene status. CONCLUSION: Sign language-based interventions were found to be effective. However, further studies in different locations and populations are required to support their effectiveness.

Effect of family cohesion on oral health predictors in children and adolescents: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The family environment influences oral health conditions and the utilization of dental services. The emotional link between the family members and the degree to which they are resilient and close to each other is represented as family cohesion and adaptability. This systematic review critically appraises and synthesizes existing evidence on the effect of family cohesion on oral health predictors in children and adolescents. METHODS: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023453608). Databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were electronically searched in September 2023. No restriction of time frame was allowed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool. RESULTS: Initially, 272 records were identified from PubMed (133), Embase (122) and Scopus (10) databases and other sources, finally leading to 12 cross-sectional studies to be included. Eleven studies were carried out in Brazil and one in USA. Only one study reported moderate risk, whereas the others all reported low risk of bias. The studies were carried out from 2013-2023. The frequency of dental visits, oral health literacy, and self-perceived need for dental treatment were reported to be higher in families with the better cohesive ties. An inconsistent direct association was reported between dental caries and family cohesion. CONCLUSIONS: Family dynamics are important in shaping oral health behaviors and outcomes during a pivotal phase of development. Further exploration through longitudinal studies in this field can elucidate causal pathways and potential moderators.