Oral health education interventions for people living with HIV: a scoping review of delivery approaches and reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLWH) experience a high burden of oral diseases that can impair daily function and affect adherence to HIV care. Oral health education has the potential to improve oral health knowledge, hygiene practices, and care utilization. This scoping review mapped the existing literature on oral health education interventions for PLWH, focusing on intervention content, delivery approaches, and reported outcomes.

METHODS

This scoping review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in March 2025 across multiple databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Scopus, Airiti Library, AJOL, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Google Scholar, grey literature sources, and reference lists of included studies were also searched. The search yielded a total of 1,352 records. After removing duplicates and screening titles, abstracts, and full texts based on predefined eligibility criteria, seven studies were included. Data were extracted and narratively synthesized to summarize intervention characteristics and outcomes.

RESULTS

Included studies were conducted in the USA (n = 4), Kenya (n = 2), and Cambodia (n = 1), involving 2,086 participants. Oral health education approaches ranged from single sessions to two-year initiatives, using didactic presentations, peer-led demonstrations, individualized coaching, visual aids, and hygiene-kit provision. Reported outcomes included improvements in oral hygiene behaviors, reductions in plaque levels and gingival inflammation, fewer oral symptoms, significant gains in participants' knowledge and awareness, and improved patient adherence to care, with some association with better viral load outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence suggests that oral health education may improve oral health behaviors and clinical outcomes among PLWH. However, the limited number of studies and methodological heterogeneity highlight the need for more rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials in diverse settings. Future oral health education initiatives should also consider integration into HIV care using person-centred approaches, such as the Integrated People-Centred Health Services framework, to promote equitable and holistic care for PLWH.