June 2016

A bi-level intervention to improve oral hygiene of older and disabled adults in low-income housing: results of a pilot study S. Reisine, J.J. Schensul, R. Goldblatt, K. Radda, C. Foster-Bey, C. Acosta-Glynn, L. Miron-Carcamo and E. Ioannidou Objective: This paper describes the results of a bi-level intervention, using a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach, to improve the oral hygiene of older adults and the disabled in community-based low income senior housing. Methods: The bi-level pilot intervention consisted of an on-site tailored adapted motivational interviewing (AMI) session and two oral health fairs, supported by a resident campaign committee, to change community norms. All materials were available in English and Spanish. Participants completed a survey consisting of 12 domains that provided the basis for tailoring the AMI and shaping the campaigns. The domains were activities of daily living (ADLs), access to oral health information, oral hygiene status, dental knowledge, hygiene behaviors, importance of oral hygiene, self-efficacy/locus of control, diet, intentions, self-management worries/fears, perceived risk and dry mouth. Main Outcome Measures: Each participant received clinical assessments consisting of full-mouth plaque score (PS) and gingival index (GI) before the intervention and at three months. Key words: oral health, older adults, adapted motivational interviewing, motivational interviewing, America