Investigation of oral HEALTH-related quality of life and effectiveness of oral hygiene education in patients treated in the pediatric hematology clinic

Aim: Diseases related to oral and dental health and oral complications due to systemic diseases negatively affect the individual's oral health-related quality of life. The aim of this study is to investigate the oral health-related quality of life of pediatric cancer patients treated in the pediatric hematology clinic and the effectiveness of the oral hygiene education given to the patients. Material and Method: In this study, a total of 29 patients and their parents participated 15 of whom received outpatient treatment in the Inonu University Turgut Özal Medical Center Pediatric Hematology outpatient clinic, and 14 patients who received inpatient treatment in the Pediatric Hematology service. The patients were divided into two groups as "outpatient treatment" (Group 1) and "inpatient treatment" (Group 2) according to the treatment status they received. A questionnaire was applied in which the sociodemographic status and oral hygiene habits of all participants were inquired and the quality of life related to oral health was evaluated. Oral examinations of the patients were made and dental and gingival health findings were recorded. Oral hygiene education was given to the patients together with their parents. Results: The mean dmft score of the patients was 5.52±4.58. None of the patients had the necessary dental treatment before chemotherapy. During the chemotherapy treatment process, 27.6% of the patients needed to go to the dentist. It was determined that none of the patients had been given oral hygiene training before. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean OHI-S scores of the patients before and after oral hygiene training (p<0.001). For the ECOHIS family impact section, a statistically significant difference was found between the high caries risk group and the intermediate and low caries risk group (p<0.05). Conclusion: With oral hygiene, it is possible to regain gingival health in patients administered chemotherapy. Providing information about oral and dental care for patients receiving chemotherapy and their parents should be a part of the treatment processes. In order for these patients to be directed to dentists by doctors, necessary training is needed. Key Words: Dental caries, Dental neglect, ECOHIS, Chemotherapy, Leukemia