Association of communication barriers with oral health status and oral health-related quality of life among children with hearing and speech impairment in Bengaluru city - A comparative study

Objectives: Children with hearing and speech impairment (HSI) are vulnerable to marginalization in healthcare, including dentistry, where effective communication is vital. This study aimed to assess the association of communication barriers with oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with HSI. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 HSI and non-HSI participants selected from different special schools and regular schools, respectively, in Bengaluru. Communication barriers and OHRQoL were assessed using a pre-validated Communication Barriers Questionnaire (CBQ) and Child Oral Health Impact Profile - Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF 19) questionnaire, respectively. Oral health was assessed using the World Health Organization Oral Health Assessment Form for Children, 2013. Chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent sample t-test, and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of HSI and non-HSI participants was 12.7 ± 1.52 and 12.21 ± 1.32 years, respectively. The mean CBQ scores were 30.94 and 18.56 among HSI and non-HSI groups, respectively. The mean COHIP-SF 19 scores were 51.98 and 57.52 among HSI and non-HSI groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between communication barriers, oral health status, and OHRQoL among participants with HSI ( P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed a statistically significant association of age, gender, degree of hearing impairment, communication barriers, and gingival bleeding with OHRQoL as the dependent variable ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant association of communication barriers with oral health status and OHRQoL among participants with HSI. These outcomes underscore the urgent need for inclusive communication strategies in dental settings and the integration of specialized training for oral health professionals to effectively interact with subjects with HSI.