Oral health and individuals with a lived experience of an eating disorder: a qualitative study

The Development of an Oral Health Nursing Tool for Patients with a Psychotic Disorder: A Human-Centred Design with a Feasibility Test

Patients with psychotic disorders frequently report oral health problems, while mental health nurses (MHNs) seem not to be fully aware of these problems and the risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to develop supportive tools for MHNs regarding oral health to increase sensitisation among MHNs and provide MHNs with the knowledge to recognise (potential) oral health problems in patients with a psychotic disorder. We used a human-centred design in which the user, MHNs and experts by experience were placed at the centre of the research process. Problems and needs in MHNs working with patients with a psychotic disorder were addressed. To identify key issues of problems as well as needs in terms of resources, we started with focus groups (n = 9). We analysed the data thematically based on the context of patients and MHNs in practice regarding oral health, preferred oral health tools focused on MHNs, and the intended outcomes of tools. A multi-criteria decision matrix was developed and analysed (n = 9) to identify the most optimal and viable solution based on established criteria and issues that are prevalent in the work of MHNs. The most promising result was the development of a brochure with an awareness screener. The brochure with the awareness screener was developed as a low-fidelity prototype for MHNs regarding oral health in patients with a psychotic disorder based on the latest scientific evidence. After testing it, the feasibility was tested through semi-structured interviews (n = 19). MHNs and experts by experience were satisfied with the tool and provided recommendations for adjustments to the content. Significant augmentations to the brochure included a clinical lesson and a toothbrush with toothpaste for patients. We can conclude that a brochure with an awareness screener is feasible for MHNs. Future steps aiming to further refine and optimise care processes for oral health tools in MHNs should take refining eligibility criteria for psychiatric populations and the language level of the target group of a tool into account.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Literature on the Impact of Diet on Oral Health

The complex connection between oral health and dietary habits is fundamental to holistic well-being. Oral health is closely linked to dietary choices, both as a reflection and a factor in overall health. This bibliometric analysis investigates clinical trials published in the PubMed database spanning six decades to understand the landscape of research on the impact of diet on oral health. The analysis reveals a fluctuating yet generally increasing trend over the decades, with significant growth periods interspersed with occasional declines, culminating in a recent slight decrease in research output. With strong collaborative networks, Devizio and Proskin emerge as primary contributors. The University of Sydney has published the maximum number of clinical trials. Thematic clusters highlight diverse research facets, including physiological measurements, socio-economic influences, and biochemical aspects. The evolution in research priorities from experimental studies to longitudinal evaluations underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The analysis of country-wise research output revealed that the United States, Germany, and Australia lead in scientific research output, with notable contributions to the global landscape. While larger countries like China and India are represented, their frequencies are relatively lower, suggesting potential areas for further exploration. Collaboration patterns vary between countries, influencing the global impact of their scientific output. Despite the limitations inherent in database selection, this study integrates bibliometric and thematic analyses to offer comprehensive insights into research trends and priorities.

Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of dietitians in Australia: A national survey

AIM

Dietitians are a well-placed profession to be providing pre-emptive oral health promotion. Despite recommendations that oral health promotion should be routinely part of dietetic practice, there is limited data informing the current practices of clinical dietitians in this area across Australia. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices of Australian dietitians and oral health promotion.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken involving registered clinical dietitians in Australia using purposive and snowballing sampling (social media/dietetic organisations/public databases). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 149 dietitians participated in the national survey. Overall, dietitians were knowledgeable about oral health risk factors and preventative measures across general health domains. Majority of dietitians agreed that oral health can affect nutrition interventions (95.5%) and dietitians should be discussing oral health (88.0%). However, nearly half were not confident in providing counselling or education and felt that undergraduate training for oral health promotion was inadequate (78.2%). A small proportion (6.0%) of dietitians were already providing oral health promotion regularly. Key barriers included a lack of clear guidelines for practice, limited training opportunities and indistinct referral pathways.

CONCLUSION

Dietitians have acknowledged that oral health promotion should be incorporated into their practice. However, they are challenged by a lack of resources and training to support this in clinical practice. SO WHAT?: Capacity building dietitians to promote oral health allows opportunity for improvement in the oral health, nutritional status and quality of life of priority population groups.