Reproducibility of a scale for oral health among children and adolescents HIV+/AIDS

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva 2010-07, Vol.15 (4), p.2181-2187
• Main Authors: Campos, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini, Loffredo, Leonor de Castro Monteiro
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Oral hygiene; Reproducibility; Teenagers
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/S1413-81232010000400032

The aim of this study was to investigate the intraobserver reproducibility of a Portuguese version scale used to evaluate aspects of oral health among children and adolescents HIV+. The scale was proposed by Balbo and a questionnaire was applied in two occasions, within a one week period, to 27 children and adolescents. The reproducibility was estimated by kappa statistics by point (k). With relation to the mother, it was reached a maximum of agreement for items related to the importance of maintaining the oral health, diary tooth brushing and the individual utilization of dental brush; breath and esthetics presented a good agreement. Regarding the children, a regular agreement was observed on the dental floss use. In contrast, the respondents had difficulties in reporting the name and address of the professionals that gave guidance in prevention activities to them. The k-values for perception, care and promotion were 0.48, 0.21 and 0.64 respectively, pointing to reproducibility levels classified as regular, fair and good. Given the different levels of reproducibility offered by the dental scale for HIV+ oral health, we suggest that it could be modified, especially in the domain of care.