A community health project for people with Down syndrome in Hong Kong

Abstract

Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common classifiable category of mental subnormality. The incidence at birth in Hong Kong is about 1 in 600. A community health project (CHP) jointly organized by the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association (HKDSA) was carried out in 1999/2000 to improve oral health of individuals with DS. The CHP was held at the HKDSA and members of the HKDSA were invited to join. It included a clinical examination to investigate the oral health status of the DS participants. A questionnaire was used to study their attitude and use of dental service. Parental dental knowledge of the participants was also assessed. A service program involving oral health education (OHE) and provision of dental treatment was implemented. The OHE was delivered through oral health care talk, distribution of educational pamphlets and videotape. Dental treatment was delivered by an outreach dental service team of final year dental students. Eighty-five HKDSA members participated the examination and survey while 65 members received dental treatment. Survey results showed that they had low caries experience. However all of them had poor periodontal status. They had poor attitude and awareness of oral health and their parents had inadequate dental knowledge. The OHE could be a useful means to improve dental knowledge and attitude towards oral health of both the participants and their parents. The DS participants and their parents welcomed this CHP project and success of this project indicates that an outreach team could be a feasible option in looking after individuals with DS.