Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: This study verified both the self-perception and oral characteristics of a group of elderly participants of the Open University for the Elderly (UNATI). Methods: The sample consisted of a cross-sectional epidemiological study with elderly subjects (50 years of age or older), who attended the UNATI-UNIFAL/MG program. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of open- and closed-ended questions regarding oral health, its interference with self-esteem and nutrition, among other features. In addition, an application form based on the proposals by the Oral Health Survey 2010, was used. Univariate and multivariate descriptive analyses were performed. Results: The study sample consisted of 106 subjects (mean age of 62.4 years), of whom 59.4% had attended a dental appointment in the last year for routine and/or aesthetic examinations (38.7%). The clinical conditions showed that only 19.8% of the subjects were completely edentulous, an average DMFT of 26.1, and 37.7% used some kind of complete upper dentures, complete lower dentures, or both. Regarding self-perception of oral conditions, 34.9% considered it a regular perception, however in the applied statistics the presence of pain demonstrated a worse perception which was not correlated with teeth loss, presence of dentures and/or restored teeth. Conclusion: The self-perception of oral conditions is regular and the clinical and odontological characteristics evaluated revealed partial edentulous subjects with high DMFT. By evaluating the odontological aspects, it was observed that the majority of the subjects did not have difficulties to look for a dentist, they attended dental appointments in the last year and the preventive treatment had been the most required.
Highlights
There have been great advances worldwide in the fields of science and health regarding elderly people’s perspective of life and care
A questionnaire was applied asking about “selfperception of oral health”, sex, marital status, race, level of schooling, presence of systemic discomfort, use of medication for painful tooth and gum, difficulty to go to the dentist, time elapsed from the last dental appointment and reason for it, where the last consultation was performed, perceived need for dental treatment, behavior when someone took a photograph, oral discomfort present at that time, importance given to teeth and oral hygiene, difficulty in eating any specific food
According to the information collected, self-perception of oral conditions was not related to the presence of pain (p = 0.650), use of medication for discomfort (p = 0.782) and absence or presence of systemic impairment (p = 0.065)
Summary
There have been great advances worldwide in the fields of science and health regarding elderly people’s perspective of life and care. An important issue to be considered is the perception the elderly present of their own health, so that educational, preventive and curative activities can be planned and achieved [2]. Active aging programs, encouraging healthier lifestyles and selfcare awareness can contribute to a better quality of life for these groups [3]. In this sense, the Open University for the Elderly (UNATI) has been leading a multiprofessional team (Nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, nutritionists) interested in the improvement and well-being of both older people and middle-aged adults [4]. Besides that the program has sought to involve these individuals through new skill improvement, social-recreational participation and leisure activities, aiming to educate, rescue old dreams and ensure a healthy aging [5]
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