Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Training of Care Givers and Nursing Staff in Relation to Oral Care in Institutions for Older People in Trinidad

Background: Previous investigations in the United Kingdom reveal that the attitudes or reasons why oral hygiene skills may not be practiced by caregivers in home for older people range from fear and psychological concerns to distaste when dealing with oral-hygiene. No similar research has been done in the Caribbean. Objectives: To investigate the Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Education of Caregivers & Nursing Staff in relation to oral care in long term care institutions for older people, in Trinidad. Materials and Methods: 42 questionnaires were couriered to the respective homes with prepaid return packages being enclosed. Completed questionnaires were returned via courier and the data entered into an excel spread sheet for analysis. Results: Response Rate - 69%. 27.6% of caregivers completed nursing education. 69.0% responded in the affirmative to having received basic education in oral care. 72.4% of respondents stated that they would like to receive education in oral care. 89.7% believed that brushing and flossing daily prevent gum disease. 79.3% agreed that dentures should be removed at night. 69.0% responded incorrectly that the statement “If the residents gums bleed when you are brushing their teeth, you should stop brushing”, was true. Conclusion: Although the knowledge of caregivers is adequate in many aspects, there is room for improving their awareness of appropriate practices for oral-care of residents in long-term care institutions. While attitude toward oral care and the improving of knowledge is positive, erroneous beliefs need addressing. Education is inadequate and appears to be impacting upon knowledge, attitudes and beliefs negatively in certain key areas of oral care.