Association Between Family Caregiver Oral Care Practices and Oral Health Status in Rehabilitation Ward Patients With Dysphagia
Youmi Kim, Sojung MunABSTRACT
Objectives
To examine the relationship between family caregiver oral care practices and oral health status among inpatients with dysphagia who require assistance with daily oral hygiene in a rehabilitation ward.
Methods
Twenty‐five patient–family caregiver pairs at a South Korean rehabilitation hospital were studied. Patient oral health was assessed via a modified Multi‐dimensional Behavioral Oral Evaluation (M‐BOE) tool. Family caregivers completed structured interviews on oral care frequency, duration, techniques, and product use. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U tests; nonparametric regression (LOWESS) explored potential nonlinear associations.
Results
Patients receiving oral care three or more times daily exhibited significantly lower (better) M‐BOE scores. Improvements were most pronounced in gingival and buccal mucosal moisture, tongue hygiene, and denture cleanliness. Family caregiver use of oral care products correlated positively with patient swallowing ability and mucosal condition. Interestingly, extending care duration from one to two minutes was paradoxically associated with higher (worse) M‐BOE scores, suggesting that technique quality outweighs time spent. No significant relationships were found between oral health and patient cognitive function (MMSE), functional independence (K‐MBI), or number of medications.
Conclusions
Family caregiver oral care practices substantially influence oral health status among inpatients with dysphagia who are unable to perform oral self‐care independently. Educational interventions should prioritize optimal frequency, appropriate product use, and effective technique training. These findings highlight the importance of family caregiver‐focused programs to improve oral health outcomes in rehabilitation patients with functional limitations.