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Views of xerostomia among health care professionals: a qualitative study.
2009 (English)In: Journal of Clinical Nursing, ISSN 0962-1067, E-ISSN 1365-2702, Vol. 18, no 6, p. 791-8Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

AIM: To explore and describe views of xerostomia among health care professionals.

BACKGROUND: Xerostomia (dry mouth) is caused by changes in quality and quantity of saliva due to poor health, certain drugs and radiation therapy. It is a common symptom, particularly among older people and has devastating consequences with regard to oral health and general well-being.

METHODS: Data were obtained and categorised by interviewing 16 health care professionals. Qualitative content analysis was chosen as the method of analysis.

DESIGN: Qualitative.

RESULTS: The latent content was formulated into a theme: xerostomia is a well-known problem, yet there is inadequate management of patients with xerostomia. The findings identified three categories expressing the manifest content: awareness of xerostomia, indifferent attitude and insufficient support.

CONCLUSIONS: Although xerostomia was recognised as commonly occurring, it was considered to be an underestimated and an ignored problem. Proper attention to conditions of xerostomia and subsequent patient management were viewed as fragmentary and inadequate. Additional qualitative studies among patients with xerostomia would be desirable to gain further understanding of the problems with xerostomia, its professional recognition and management.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A holistic view, positive professional attitudes and enhanced knowledge of xerostomia seem essential to augment collaboration among health care professionals and to improve compassion for and support of patients with xerostomia.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2009. Vol. 18, no 6, p. 791-8
National Category
Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-36921DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02455.xPubMedID: 18803577OAI: oai:DiVA.org:mau-36921DiVA, id: diva2:1502962
Available from: 2020-11-23 Created: 2020-11-23 Last updated: 2020-11-23Bibliographically approved
In thesis
1. Xerostomia: Views among health care professionals and the main concern among afflicted adults
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Xerostomia: Views among health care professionals and the main concern among afflicted adults
2010 (English)Licentiate thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

The aims of the two studies were to survey and describe views of xerostomia among health care professionals and to explore, among afflicted adults; the main concerns associated with xerostomia and attempted remedies. Two empirical studies with qualitative design were conducted. In Paper I, 16 participants were interviewed representing health care professionals with various exposures to patients with xerostomia. The data were subjected to qualitative content analysis. In Paper II, qualitative, conversational style interviews were conducted with 15 participants with subjective complaints of dry mouth. The grounded theory method was applied for data analysis. In the findings (Paper I), the latent content was formulated into a theme: Xerostomia is a well-known problem yet, there is inadequate management of patients with xerostomia. The findings identified three major categories expressing the manifest content: awareness of xerostomia, indifferent attitude, and insufficient support. Health care professionals recognised xerostomia as a common and escalating problem, particularly among elderly. Yet, the problem received little attention. In Paper II, a model was generated to elucidate the main concerns of xerostomia among afflicted individuals and how they handle various aspects of their condition. The core category was labelled: an aggravating misery, meaning that xerostomia has a devastating and debilitating impact on multiple domains of well-being. The model involves three different categories/remedial strategies, namely professional consultation, search for affirmation, and social withdrawal. All three categories express what the participants do to resolve their problems with xerostomia. In general, the participants perceived xerostomia as a burden and as a condition they were constantly reminded of. The participants also expressed a feeling of resignation due to lack of confirmation and support. The findings underscore that xerostomia is not a trivial condition for those afflicted. Oral impairment as well as physical and psychosocial consequences of xerostomia had negative impact on the participants´ qualitative of life. Health care professionals felt that xerostomia was an underestimated problem and that clinical symptoms and subsequent treatment were often ignored. The findings revealed that xerostomia is not only a predicament of the oral cavity but affects the individual as a whole. This is of particular concern among elderly as the occurrence of xerostomia increases with advancing age due to chronic diseases and adverse medications. In summary, it is essential to adopt a holistic view, and to provide additional education and improved interdisciplinary collaboration to manage and care for individuals suffering from xerostomia.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Malmö University, Faculty of Odontology, Department of Oral Public Health, 2010. p. 53
Series
Malmö University Odontological Dissertations, ISSN 1650-6065
National Category
Dentistry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-7763 (URN)10413 (Local ID)9789171041203 (ISBN)10413 (Archive number)10413 (OAI)
Available from: 2020-02-28 Created: 2020-02-28 Last updated: 2022-06-27Bibliographically approved

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