103 Oral Health Interventions in Patients with a Mental Health Disorder (p < 0.05). No statistically significant changes were found in plaque index based on type of toothbrush. The provision of oral home care instructions showed no significant difference in the mean change in plaque and gingival index. There was no correlation between the negative symptoms and the post-test mean plaque index and the post-test gingival index. Frequency of brushing and the mean change of plaque index and gingival index were not correlated. There was no significant impact of smoking on the mean change in plaque index and gingival index. Interventions Combining Educational and Physical Elements One quasi-experimental study reported about an intervention combining educational and physical elements in professionals (nurses) and SMI patients (psychotic, personality, mood, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders) [28]. Nurses received education to improve knowledge and awareness [28]. Nurses were educated in oral health and instructed to help patients, using an instruction card with oral hygiene tips and oral hygienists demonstrated cleaning methods and tools (e.g., interdental cleaning aids). Outcome measurements in professionals were oral health knowledge of nurses (a 20-item-list on proper oral care, oral diseases, and oral health-related factors, with an internal consistency of α 0.62, which was moderate). Patients with SMI received a patient treatment plan from the oral hygienist after a baseline oral examination. They received a soft toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste, specific cleaning instructions from the oral hygienist (e.g., brush at least 2 min, brush systematically), and practiced the instructions under the supervision of the oral hygienist [28]. Outpatients were asked questions about medical and general health, dental and oral health, and condition. After the questionnaire, the oral hygienist carried out pre-test and post-test measurements of the dental plaque and gingival bleeding indices. The results showed a significant effect on plaque index/6 (r = 0.82) and index/2 (r = 0.77) and bleeding index/6 (r = 0.50). The educational intervention had elicited a statistically significant change in mental health nurses’ knowledge (p < 0.001). One of the limitations reported in this study was the low active commitment of nurses. Some nurses actively applied motivational interventions and others were scarcely involved in actively promoting 4
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw