Sensitivity and responsiveness of the Chinese ECOHIS to dental treatment under general anaesthesia

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity and responsiveness of the Chinese version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) to dental treatment under general anaesthesia (GA). Methods: A consecutive sample of primary caregivers of children (aged 5 and younger) with early childhood caries (ECC) attending a university hospital dental clinic for dental treatment under GA was recruited over a 12-month period. Caregivers self-completed the ECOHIS prior to and 3 months following their child dental treatment under GA. In addition, caregivers rated the change in their child's overall health condition compared to before treatment on a global transition scale. Sensitivity of the measure was assessed by determining distribution changes in ECOHIS scores; responsiveness was assessed by investigating whether the observed changes took the form of a gradient according to the global transition judgement, in terms of the observed change in scores and effect size. Results: Following treatment under GA, there was significant changes in ECOHIS scores (P < 0.01) and many of its sub-domains. The magnitude of change (effect size) of the total ECOHIS following treatment was 0.89 and among sub-domains ranged from) -0.29 to 1.33. There was an observed gradient in the changes of ECOHIS scores (and effect sizes) in relation to global transition judgement of oral change following treatment, supporting the responsiveness of the measure. Conclusions: The Chinese version of ECOHIS is sensitive and responsive to dental treatment of ECC under GA.