Covid-19 pandemic
training caregivers to oral health care in nursing homes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35699/2178-1990.2023.49381Keywords:
Saúde Bucal, COVID-19, Idoso, Assistência de Longa DuraçãoAbstract
Aim: To assess the associated factors with oral hygiene practices of functionally dependent older adults by professionals working in long-stay elderly care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This was an exploratory study with a sample of 179 elderly care home professionals recruited through social media groups, applying “snowball” method. Data collection was performed using a structured questionnaire. The outcome variable was the practice of oral hygiene provided by caregivers to functionally dependent elderly individuals, including oral and denture hygiene. The independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age group, education, race/skin color), professional performance (professional function and years of experience), training (for caregiving and oral health), elderly care home structure (availability of Personal Protective Equipment), working process (oral health protocols/guidelines), and perception of professional practices (Concerns about transmitting COVID-19 and feelings of being able to deal with cases of COVID-19, as well as the capacity to perform oral hygiene in dependent older adults). The association between the independent variables and oral hygiene practices was analyzed using Logistic Regression (p < 0.05).
Results: Of the 179 professionals, 76.0% performed oral hygiene on the functionally dependent older adults, and 42.5% reported difficulties, including a lack of cooperation from the elders, a lack of time during working hours, and a lack of material. Professionals who received caregiver training for older adults (OR = 3.27, 95% CI 1.53 – 6.98) and those who were trained to perform oral hygiene in this age group (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.01 – 4.79) showed higher odds of performing oral hygiene in functionally dependent older adults.
Conclusion: Oral hygiene practices were conducted in long-stay elderly care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training caregivers of dependent older adults can enhance the provision of oral health care.
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References
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