Oral Health, Hygiene, and Nutrition in Individuals with Disabilities: Comparing Institutional and Family Living Environments.

AIMS: Individuals with disabilities (IwD) often face challenges affecting oral and nutritional health, potentially influenced by their living environment. This study aimed to assess the relationships between oral health, hygiene, and nutrition among IwD in institutional and community settings. METHODS & RESULTS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among IwD residing in institutions and the community. Data collection included structured questionnaires, clinical dental indices, oral function indicators, and anthropometric measures. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata18 with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. A total of 207 IwD were examined-105 institutionalized (mean ± SD age = 60.37 ± 18.19) and 102 community dwellers (65.53 ± 17.83). Both groups showed high dental treatment needs and compromised nutritional status. Institutionalized participants had poorer oral hygiene, higher caries burden, and greater caregiver dependence, whereas community dwellers exhibited better oral health but less favorable nutritional profiles. Significant associations were identified between anthropometric and oral health indicators. CONCLUSIONS: IwD exhibit poor oral health and hygiene overall. Living environment influences oral and nutritional outcomes, with multiple interrelations between them. Multidisciplinary interventions with caregiver support are essential, while longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal links between diet and oral health.