The Relationship between Upper Extremity Motor Function and Oral Hygiene among Stroke Survivors: Study Protocol for a Mixed-Method Design

Background: Stroke is emerging as a leading cause of preventable death and disability in adults in many developing countries. One important aspect of self-care is the oral health care. Individuals who have suffered stroke may have difficulty to independently complete the needed Oral Health Care tasks and this can lead to the development of dental caries and periodontal diseases. In addition to that, the saliva may also become populated by high numbers of bacteria, and when these are aspirated, pneumonia or systemic infection can result.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between upper extremity motor function and the state of oral hygiene in stroke survivors.

Methods: A two phase explanatory sequential mixed-method design is proposed to examine the relationship between upper extremity motor function and oral hygiene of stroke survivors. The first phase consists of the collection and analysis of quantitative data in order to address the study’s research questions. The second involves the collection and analysis of qualitative data through focus group discussions with some stroke survivors and an in-depth interview of physiotherapists and dentists to understand the views of these professionals on the problem.

Results: Research setting selection and preparation, instruments selection and research assistants training has been completed. Data collection is in progress.

Conclusion: This description of the study methods will be useful for clinicians and researchers in planning and implementing studies of this kind.