Assessment of Oral Health Status and Factors Associated with Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Geriatric Population in Rural South India – A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: In recent times, there is an increase in life expectancy leading to demographic transition toward aging population in both developed and developing countries. Oral health represents a major concern for general health; hence, the oral health of older people is increasingly important. One particularly meaningful factor is the number of teeth which provide information about the functionality of the masticatory system, an esthetic smile as well as an esthetic profile. Losing teeth can be psychologically traumatic, socially damaging, and functionally limiting, thereby affecting the quality of life (QoL). Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status and factors associated with poor oral health-related QoL in geriatric population (aged >60 years) in rural South India. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 437 elderly in Kaniyambadi block of Vellore district. Sociodemographic details were collected directly by face-to-face interview, and the elderly were subjected to oral examination for oral health status. Oral health-related quality of life (OHrQoL) was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Factors associated with poor OHrQoL were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: The study population comprised 31.1% (n = 136) of males and 68.9% (n = 301) of females, with a mean age of 68 (standard deviation – 6.9) years. On oral examination, the prevalence of dental caries and any type of edentulism was 51.5% (n = 225) and 82.4% (n = 360), respectively. The prevalence of complete edentulism was 10.1% (n = 44). By assessing oral health-related quality of life using the revised GOHAI tool, 30 (6.9%) had high scores between 34 and 36, 166 (38%) had scores between 31 and 33, and 241 (55.1%) had low scores (≤30). In the multivariate analysis, age >70 years (odds ratio [OR] =1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–3.06, P = 0.006), male gender (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.05–3.3, P = 0.033), and edentulism/severe tooth loss (OR = 8.64, 95% CI = 3.19–23.87, P < 0.001) had significantly higher odds for poor OHrQoL. Edentulism/severe tooth loss was also significantly associated with undernutrition (OR = 12.5, 95% CI = 6.56–23.81, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The burden of dental caries and edentulism in rural South India was high. The prevalence of edentulism had a significant impact on the OHrQoL. This study highlights the need for researchers to understand the importance of edentulism and its impact on overall health of the elderly, thereby focusing on health programs inclusive of oral health promotion and prevention.