Assessment of Oral Health Related Quality of Life Among Completely Edentulous Patients in Western India by Using GOHAI

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Non-institutionalized Elderly in Malaysia: A Teaching Hospital-Based Survey

Background In Malaysia, the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) has been recognized as a vital instrument for evaluating oral health-related quality of life among the elderly population. Its integration into the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) in 2018 demonstrates the country's dedication to understanding and addressing the unique oral health challenges faced by older individuals. The NHMS, led by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, serves as a crucial platform for identifying and addressing healthcare needs, while also working towards achieving sustainable development goals. This study aimed to provide valuable information for stakeholders and researchers by investigating the relationship between quality of life related to oral health and demographic factors, with the ultimate goal of enhancing oral healthcare for older individuals. Objective The objective of this research was to identify the variables that impact the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of non-institutionalized elderly individuals who visit the Klinik Pergigian Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM). By utilizing the OHRQoL, dental practitioners can gain insight into the elderly's oral health-related quality of life, which is crucial information for dental healthcare providers to effectively reach out to and cater to the elderly at the institution. Methodology A cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a non-probability sampling method to select eligible elderly individuals at the clinic. A validated questionnaire comprising 18 items covering sociodemographic details and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was distributed to individuals above 60 years via printed forms. One way ANOVA, unpaired t-test and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. Results The overall mean GOHAI score among non-institutionalized elderly attending Klinik Pergigian MUCM was 48.38±9.33, indicating poor OHRQoL. The psychosocial impact domain had a mean score of 19.33±5.21, surpassing the pain and discomfort domain with a score of 10.73±2.82, highlighting the significant impact of psychosocial factors on poor oral health-related quality of life. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant associations between OHRQoL and factors such as ethnicity, living arrangements apart from spouse and family, or tertiary education among older individuals after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusions This study indicates that sociodemographic aspects have minimal impact on the OHRQoL of seniors. Further examination is needed to understand the economic aspects of tooth replacement options and preventive measures in this age group. To enhance the OHRQoL of older adults, especially those not living in facilities like nursing homes or assisted living centers, tailored oral healthcare plans and strategies are crucial. Interdisciplinary collaboration among mental health professionals, geriatric experts, and oral healthcare providers is crucial for empowering both healthcare practitioners and seniors to maintain optimal oral health.

The current status of geriatric oncology in India

Geriatric oncology in India is relatively new. The number of older persons with cancer is increasing exponentially; at our institution, 34% of patients registered are 60 years and over. Apart from the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, there are currently no other Indian centers that have a dedicated geriatric oncology unit. Geriatric assessments (GAs) are done sporadically, and older patients with cancer are usually assessed and treated based on clinical judgement. Challenges to increasing the uptake of GA include a lack of training/time/interest or knowledge of the importance of the GA. Other challenges include a lack of trained personnel with expertise in geriatric oncology, and a paucity of research studies that seek to advance the outcomes in older Indian patients with cancer. We anticipate that over the next 10 years, along with the inevitable increase in the number of older persons with cancer in India, there will be a commensurate increase in the number of skilled personnel to care for them. Key goals for the future include increased research output, increased number of dedicated geriatric oncology units across the country, India-specific geriatric oncology guidelines, geriatric oncology training programs, and a focus on collaborative work across India and with global partners. In this narrative review, we provide a broad overview of the status of geriatric oncology in India, along with a description of the work done at our center. We hope to spark interest and provide inspiration to readers to consider developing geriatric oncology services in other settings.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Changes after Clinical Remounting of Existing Dentures

The clinical remount is an accurate and efficient way to reset the occlusion of delivered removable dentures if major occlusal correction is required. Although previous studies have reported that clinical remounting of existing dentures enhances patients’ oral function, little subjective feedback is available. This retrospective study reports short-term changes in oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and masticatory function after clinical remounting of existing dentures. Three time points were defined: before adjustment (T0), immediately after adjustment (T1), and 1 week after adjustment (T2). The medical records of seven patients were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 77.71 years, and the mean service period of their prostheses was 9.43 months. The mean scores of the OHIP-EDENT-J questionnaire at the respective time points were 35, 21.14, and 22.14. The mean readings of masticatory function at the respective time points were 76.71, 89.29, and 111.86. Significant differences in the OHIP-EDENT-J were found between T0 and T1, and T0 and T2; and in masticatory function between T1 and T2, and T0 and T2. The results indicated that after rebalancing of the occlusion of the existing dentures, the patient-reported OHRQoL was improved immediately and maintained at least for a short time, and masticatory function was enhanced over a 1-week period.

The effect of complete dentures on edentulous patients' oral health-related quality of life in long-term: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To evaluate whether the long-term use of complete dentures (CD) into promotes significant changes in the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in edentulous patients.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. A broad search in Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Grey Literature, clinical trials registers and manual search was done. The eligibility criteria were based on population, intervention, comparisons and outcome: (P) edentulous patients, (I) CDs rehabilitation, (C) OHRQoL after CD, (O) change in scores of OHRQoL. Two independent reviewers applied the eligibility criteria, collected qualitative data, performed methodological quality and evaluated the certainty of the evidence (grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation). The meta-analysis was analyzed in RevMan 5.4 with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 2452 records were identified. Twenty-four articles were included in qualitative synthesis. Nineteen studies were qualified as good, 3 as fair and 2 as poor quality. Twelve studies were included in quantitative analysis (meta-analysis). The use of CD did not improved OHRQoL in a period of 3 months through the assessment of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) instrument (P = 0.55; CI; 6.86 [-15.60, 29.31]), and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) (P = 0.05; CI; -14.91 [-29.87, 0.04]), with very low certainty of evidence. In a long term, 6 months, GOHAI instrument (P < 0.00001; CI; 16.22 [10.70, 21.74]), OHIP 20 (P = 0.02; CI; -11.09 [-20.54, -1.64]) and OHIP-EDENT (P = 0.0004; CI; -8.59 [-13.32, -3.86]) showed improvement on OHRQoL, with very low and low evidence of certainty, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CD has the strong potential to contribute to oral health-related quality of life in long-term.

Critical Assessment on Unmet Oral Health Needs and Oral Health-related Quality of Life Among Old Age Home Inhabitants in Karnataka, India

Purpose

To critically assess the unmet oral health needs and oral health-related quality of life among old age home inhabitants in Karnataka, India.

Methods

A total of 96 older adults (males=32, 33.33%, females=64, 66.67%) aged 60 years and above, residing in old age homes were included in this cross-sectional study. The mean age of the participants included in the study was 69.25±7.99 years. Oral health status and dental needs were assessed using the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHIS) and the WHO Oral Health Assessment forms. Oral health-related quality of life was evaluated by administrating the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire through an interview format.

Statistical Analysis

The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 was used. Descriptive statistics was tabulated for oral health status and GOHAI scores. Student’s t-test and ANOVA were applied to check the association of the GOHAI responses with the number of years of residence in old age homes, age groups, gender, and dentition status.

Results

The mean age of the participants included in the study was 69.25±7.99 years. Twenty-six (27.1%) participants reported diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Most of the participants 89 (91.7%) visited the dentist when they had dental complaints. Among the dentulous study population, the majority of the participants had untreated dental caries indicated for dental extraction and needed periodontal therapy. Amongst the participants, 68 (70.82%) required prosthetic rehabilitation. More than 10 years of residence in old aged homes, over 80 years of age, being female, and completely edentulous groups showed lower total GOHAI scores compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

The majority of the participants showed unmet oral health needs and lower GOHAI scores indicating poor oral health-related quality of life.

The Patient's Denture Assessment (Thai version) is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the outcome of treatment with complete denture

BACKGROUND

Complete tooth losses are still being major problems which resulted in lesser quality of life especially for elderly patients. However, there are still lack of questionnaire to evaluate the treatment outcome from the patient's aspect. The objective of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Patient's Denture Assessment-Thai version (PDA-T), then use this questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction with complete denture treatment outcome also investigates the factors involving their satisfaction.

METHODS

The subjects comprised 120 edentulous adult patients (49 men/71 women; average age 70 years-old) from the Prosthodontic and the Geriatric Dentistry and Special Patients Care Clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University during 2019 March‒2020 March. The patients were divided into two groups: the group experienced (Exper) (n = 54) with wearing complete dentures, and the non-experienced (NonExper) group (n = 66). The patients used the validated PDA-T to self-assess their treatment at different times. The Exper group completed the questionnaire at t0 (during treatment), t0.5 (2‒8-weeks after t0), and t1 (final follow-up). The NonExper group completed the questionnaire only at t1.

RESULTS

In the Exper group, Cronbach's α and average inter-item correlation was 0.95 (range 0.76‒0.95) and 0.47 (range 0.57‒0.83), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients (n = 18, 95% confidence interval) were 0.98 overall. The paired t-test (p < 0.05) between t0 and t1 indicated a significant difference between t0 and t1 in every PDA-T topic, and the effect size was 1.71. In the NonExper group, the Pearson correlation analysis indicated no significant correlation between the patients' demographics and masticatory function.

CONCLUSION

The reliability and validity of the PDA-T indicate it is a valuable tool for evaluating complete denture treatment. Treatment success affected the patients' satisfaction but was not associated with the type of doctors, genders, ages, or educational level.

Perceived Status and Care Practices among Complete Denture Wearers

Background:

Oral health is neglected even today. This can be evidently seen in the low utilization rates and poor oral health status. Conventional dentures are the most common treatment option in the restoration of lost teeth. Without appropriate denture care practices, there is an elevated risk of developing a multitude of problems. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived status and care practices among complete denture wearers in Modern Dental College and Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics at the Modern Dental College and Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. Patients with self-care optimum overall health who were using either single or full complete dentures for more than 1 year from the commencement of the study were requested to participate in the study. A total of 1000 study participants were given a self-administered questionnaire on their denture care practices followed by clinical examination of the denture status. Data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software for Windows, version 20.0.

Results:

Maximum denture wearers informed that they cleaned their dentures once a day, with brush and water, and had the habit of removing the dentures before sleeping at night. Almost 90% of the participants reported their denture status to be good or fair. Clinical examination revealed that slightly more than half of the participants had poor denture status.

Conclusion:

This study signifies the importance for improvement in patient oral health education and counseling with respect to the maintenance of dentures and upkeep of denture hygiene. It also emphasizes the need for educating patients on how to evaluate the status of their dentures.

Number of natural teeth, denture use and mortality in Chinese elderly: a population-based prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The associations between the number of natural teeth/denture use and all-cause mortality remain unclear due to lake of investigation for the potential interaction between tooth loss and denture use and for the potential changes in these exposures over time in older adults. We undertake this study to evaluate the associations of the number of natural teeth and/or denture use with mortality in Chinese elderly.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study of 36,283 older adults (median age: 90). The number of natural teeth and denture use were collected with structured questionnaire. We evaluated hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for demographic factors, education, income, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

We documented 25,857 deaths during 145,947 person-years of observation. Compared to those with 20+ teeth, tooth loss was associated with a gradual increase in mortality, with an adjusted HR of 1.14 (95% CI, 1.06 to 1.23) for those with 10-19 teeth, 1.23 (95% CI, 1.15 to 1.31) for those with 1-9 teeth, and 1.35 (95% CI, 1.26 to 1.44) for those without natural teeth. Denture use was associated with lower risk of mortality (adjusted HR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.84). Subgroup analyses indicated that the benefit of denture use was greater in men than in women (P = 0.02) and tended to decrease with age (P < 0.001). The effects of denture use did not differ among various degrees of tooth loss (P = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth loss was associated with an increased risk of mortality in older adults. Denture use provided a protective effect against death for all degrees of tooth loss however, this effect appeared to be modified by sex and age.

Assessment of factors influencing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with removable dental prosthesis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients using removable dental prosthesis.

METHODS

The present study employed a cross sectional analytical design. A total of 200 patients participated and interviewed using a cross sectional analytical design. In the first section of the questionnaire patients were asked about demographic data whereas the second part of the questionnaire assessed medical history, oral habits, smoking status, oral hygiene habits and frequency of dental visit. The questionnaire also collected information regarding patient's removable prosthesis. Questionnaire of OHIP-DENT (Oral Health Impact Profile) was also employed to measure oral health quality of life (OHRQoL) on the domains of functional limitation (FL), physical pain (P1), psychological discomfort (P2), physical disability (D1), psychological disability (D2), social disability (D3) and handicap (H). Relationships between the demographic, socio-economic and education variables and others OHIP-EDENT scores were explored by comparing mean scores by applying ANOVA.

RESULTS

The study participants comprised of 107 males (53.5%) and 93 females (46.5%). Regarding oral care, participants reporting to visit their dentist within one year were 40.0%. The highest score was recorded for the functional limitation (FL) domain (15.62±6.6), followed by social disability (D3) (15.23±5.06) and physical pain (P1) (14.28±4.8). The respective scores for physical (D1) and psychological disability (D2) and handicap (H) were 10.47±4.84, 11.32±5.38 and 12.45±4.50 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Removable partial denture patients showed minimum problems with mastication, social compromise and functional discomfort. The oral health quality of life of removable denture patients is significantly influenced by patient education level, socio-economic status, medical conditions, smoking and tobacco use habits.

Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Patients after Complete Denture Rehabilitation: A 12-month Follow-up Study

Introduction:

Complete edentulism is an eventual oral health outcome and results from the combined pathology of dental caries, periodontal disease, or faulty method of rehabilitation due to reduced cost. Complete edentulism has a significant concern and leads to reduced quality of life (QoL) along with impact on general health. However, it has been observed that due to wider and better oral health services globally, edentulism rate is decreasing every decade. Edentulism is directly related to masticatory and nutritional problems, and some authors regard it as a good mortality indicator.

Methodology:

The sample population consisted of 100 individuals comprising 63 males and 37 females who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Geriatric oral health assessment index (GOHAI) was administered by a single investigator at baseline (preinsertion) and also 6 and 12 months postdenture insertion. Sociodemographic data, including age and gender, were also collected.

Results:

It was observed that the overall oral health-related QoL (OHRQoL) scores of the sample improved significantly at 6 and 12 months postinsertion (P < 0.001) when compared to baseline scores. When GOHAI scores were compared individually for males and females (pre- and post-insertion), it was observed that there was statistically significant improvement in OHRQoL (male – pre = 25.02 ± 1.34 and post-12 months = 8.84 ± 1.26, P < 0.001, female – pre = 25.19 ± 0.88 and post-12 months = 9.05 ± 1.20, P < 0.001) postinsertion of denture in both the groups.

Conclusion:

OHRQoL in patients improved after complete denture rehabilitation. There was an upward shift in score for each item in GOHAI from preinsertion to 6 and 12 months postinsertion of dentures, reflecting improvement in OHRQoL of the sample.

Frequency of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Japanese Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Kyoto-Kameoka Study

OBJECTIVE

Many previous studies have reported that fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with a reduced risk of various disease, but whether or not their consumption is associated with the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and the OHRQoL in elderly subjects by sex.

METHODS

We analyzed cross-sectional data from a population-based Kyoto-Kameoka Study in 2012 of 3112 men and 3439 women (age ≥ 65 years). The frequencies of fruit and vegetable consumption were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We evaluated the OHRQoL using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), a self-reported measure designed to assess the oral health problems in old adults.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, body mass index, alcohol, smoking, education, socioeconomic status, history of disease, medication use, mobility disability, and total energy intake, a higher frequency of combined fruit and vegetable consumption showed a significant positive association with the GOHAI score in both men and women (p-trend < 0.001 in both sexes). These associations remained significant after adjustment for poor mastication and denture use (p-trend all < 0.05 in both sexes). We observed a significant positive association even when the frequencies of fruit or vegetable consumption were analyzed separately (all p-trend < 0.05 in both sexes).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher frequency of fruit and/or vegetable consumption independently showed a strong positive association with the OHRQoL in both men and women. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Denture Care Practices and Perceived Denture Status among Complete Denture Wearers

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Considerable importance to oral health care was lacking in India, and oral health neglect continues to exist, which is evident in the low utilization rates and poor oral health status. Conventional dentures are the most common alternative in restoration of lost teeth. Without proper denture care practices, there is an increased risk of developing a multitude of problems. The aim of this study is to assess the denture care practices among complete denture wearers in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Prosthodontics at the Konaseema Institute of Dental Sciences, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh. Patients with self-care ability and adequate overall health who were using either single or full complete dentures for more than 6 months from the time of the study were requested to participate in the study. A total of 375 study participants were given a self-administered questionnaire on denture care practices followed by clinical examination of the denture status. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software for windows, version 20.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp).

RESULTS

The majority of participants reported cleansing their dentures once a day, with brush and water, and had the habit of removing the dentures at night. Almost 80% of the participants reported their denture status to be good/fair. Clinical examination revealed that slightly more than half of the participants had poor denture status.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need for improvement in patient education and counseling with respect to the maintenance of dentures and upkeep of denture hygiene. It also emphasizes the need for educating patients on how to evaluate the status of their dentures.

Improved Prefrontal Activity and Chewing Performance as Function of Wearing Denture in Partially Edentulous Elderly Individuals: Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of wearing a denture on prefrontal activity during chewing performance. We specifically examined that activity in 12 elderly edentulous subjects [63.1±6.1 years old (mean ± SD)] and 12 young healthy controls (22.1±2.3 years old) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in order to evaluate the quality of prefrontal functionality during chewing performance under the conditions of wearing a denture and tooth loss, and then compared the findings with those of young healthy controls. fNIRS and electromyography were used simultaneously to detect prefrontal and masticatory muscle activities during chewing, while occlusal force and masticatory score were also examined by use of a food intake questionnaire. A significant increase in prefrontal activity was observed during chewing while wearing a denture, which was accompanied by increased masticatory muscle activity, occlusal force, and masticatory score, as compared with the tooth loss condition. Prefrontal activation during chewing while wearing a denture in the elderly subjects was not much different from that in the young controls. In contrast, tooth loss in the elderly group resulted in marked prefrontal deactivation, accompanied by decreased masticatory muscle activity, occlusal force, and masticatory score, as compared with the young controls. We concluded that intrinsic prefrontal activation during chewing with a denture may prevent prefrontal depression induced by tooth loss in elderly edentulous patients.

Reliability of Malayalam version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index among institutionalized elderly in Alleppey, Kerala (India): A pilot study

Background:

Oral health has a profound effect on the daily activities of geriatric group. India being a multilingual country, it is essential that instruments used to evaluate the quality of life is in local languages. However, the validation and translational aspect are important before involving a larger cohort of geriatrics.

Aim:

To assess the reliability of Malayalam version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-m).

Settings and Design:

Institutionalized elderly in Alleppey, Kerala, cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods:

The 12 items in GOHAI were translated into Malayalam using a back-translation technique. The comprehensibility of the Malayalam version was assessed by a pilot study. Fifty institutionalized elderly answered the questionnaire. Impact based on age and marital status was also assessed.

Statistical Analysis:

Independent sample t-test, Cronbach's alpha, test–retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results:

The mean GOHAI-m scores were higher for elderly participants with slightly more impact on quality of life such as for biting or chewing food, and lower mean GOHAI-m scores indicated a positive impact on quality of life such as their self-conscious of oral health. Cronbach's alpha of 0.677 was reached with 12 items. Item 12 had a negative item-total correlation, −0.016, the deletion of Item-12 increased the item correlation to 0.7. Test–retest reliability of 0.65 for ICC indicated moderate stability. Females had more impact than males (P < 0.05). Age and marital status had no impact on their quality of life.

Conclusion:

The primary analysis of GOHAI-m indicated moderate stability. The elimination of negative items depends on the objectives of the study and/or after conducting a larger study keeping in view various parameters of the study.

Does periodical department audit really works to make things fall in place: A Geriatric/General Oral Health Assessment Index based audit in prosthodontics

Purpose:

The purpose was to assess the outcome of improved staff supervision on the efficiency and quality of complete dentures delivered by clinical students.

Materials and Methods:

The audit was performed in two parts. In the first cycle, retrospective analysis for complete dentures delivered by clinical students was undertaken, and patient's satisfaction was graded using Geriatric/General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). All the impeding factors encountered in the first cycle were identified, and corrective measures were implemented. Subsequently, a prospective analysis for the dentures delivered under strict staff supervision was undertaken in the second cycle. Patient satisfaction was graded again using GOHAI.

Results:

Improved staff supervision increased the patient satisfaction significantly.

Conclusions:

The quality of care had improved in leaps and bounds compared to the first cycle due to increased level of supervision and strict adherence to the recommendations made at the end of the first cycle.

Comorbid depression/anxiety and teeth removed: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2010

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between participants (i) who reported having had clinical diagnoses of depression and anxiety with 6+ teeth removed and (ii) who reported having had clinical diagnoses of depression and anxiety with edentulism.

METHODS

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey 2010 was used for the study. Analyses involved using SAS 9.3® to determine variable frequencies, Rao-Scott chi-square bivariate analyses, and Proc Surveylogistic for the logistic regressions on complex survey designs. Participants eligibility included being 18 years or older and having complete data on depression, anxiety, and number of teeth removed.

RESULTS

There were 76 292 eligible participants; 13.4% reported an anxiety diagnosis, 16.7% reported a depression diagnosis, and 8.6% reported comorbid depression and anxiety. The adjusted logistic regression models were significant for anxiety and depression alone and in combination for 6+ teeth removed (AOR: anxiety 1.23; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.38; P = 0.0773; AOR: depression 1.23; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.37; P = 0.0275; P < 0.0001; and AOR: comorbid depression and anxiety 1.30; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.49; P = 0.0001). However, the adjusted models with edentulism as the outcome failed to reach significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid depression and anxiety are associated independently with 6+ teeth removed compared with 0-5 teeth removed in a national study conducted in United States. Comorbid depression and anxiety were not shown to be associated with edentulism as compared with any teeth present.

The evaluation of oral health-related factors on the quality of life of the elderly in Babol

Background:

Considering an increase in elderly population in recent years, it has become necessary to pay attention to this group so that they can have a higher quality of life (QoL). Oral health is one of the factors affecting the QoL of the elderly.

Aims:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of oral health on the QoL of the elderly population in Babol, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, we used the multi-stage cluster sampling technique to select 300 elderly subjects, over 65 years of age, living in Babol. Oral health-related QoL was evaluated by the Persian version of oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Data were collected on gender, age, occupation, education, the date of the last dental visit, use of prosthetic appliances, and dental treatment needs, including the periodontal, prosthetic, and surgical needs, by interview and examination.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data were analyzed with SPSS software program using Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results:

The mean age of the subjects was 71.4 ± 5.6 years, with 183 males (61%) and 117 females (39%). The mean score of OHIP-14 questionnaire was 22.4 ± 8.2, with a range of 5‒50. The highest score was achieved on the psychological discomfort domain. There was no significant difference in OHIP-14 scores according to gender, with significantly lower scores in subjects with academic education. The subjects wearing prosthetic appliances had lower OHIP-14 scores compared to those who did not wear prosthetic appliances. OHIP-14 scores were lower in the dentate individuals compared to the edentulous individuals. There was no correlation between the age and the OHIP-14 score.

Conclusion:

In general, the results of the present study showed a moderate oral health-related QoL in the elderly living in Babol, who have orodental problems.