Diagnosis and Assessment of Oral Health Conditions Among Institutionalized and Non-institutionalized Elderly Individuals

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the perception of the quality of life of institutionalized elderly individuals (MB group) and non-institutionalized elderly individuals (CLIN group), and to compare these results with the results of dental indices. Study Design Elderly women and men aged 60 years or older were evaluated. Anthropometric and cardiac measurements were performed. A questionnaire related to geriatric oral health (GOHAI) and the SF-36, which addresses quality of life, were administered. Results The Mann-Whitney t test was used to perform the statistical analyses (α < 0.05). no statistically significant differences were found in the domains of the GOHAI. Despite the intensive care provided by the institution, self-perceived quality of life, in the physical aspect, was more pronounced in noninstitutionalized participants. Conclusions The participants presented similar overall oral health conditions. The institutionalized participants showed a higher salivary flow. Non-institutionalized participants showed higher salivary cortisol levels. Halitosis proved to be similar. The participants in both groups predominantly used total maxillary prostheses, but those in the non-institutionalized group used more partial mandibular prostheses. No differences were found in self-perceived health among the participants. The non-institutionalized participants presented better physical health; however, mental health was similar between the two groups. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of the quality of life of institutionalized elderly individuals (MB group) and non-institutionalized elderly individuals (CLIN group), and to compare these results with the results of dental indices. Elderly women and men aged 60 years or older were evaluated. Anthropometric and cardiac measurements were performed. A questionnaire related to geriatric oral health (GOHAI) and the SF-36, which addresses quality of life, were administered. The Mann-Whitney t test was used to perform the statistical analyses (α < 0.05). no statistically significant differences were found in the domains of the GOHAI. Despite the intensive care provided by the institution, self-perceived quality of life, in the physical aspect, was more pronounced in noninstitutionalized participants. The participants presented similar overall oral health conditions. The institutionalized participants showed a higher salivary flow. Non-institutionalized participants showed higher salivary cortisol levels. Halitosis proved to be similar. The participants in both groups predominantly used total maxillary prostheses, but those in the non-institutionalized group used more partial mandibular prostheses. No differences were found in self-perceived health among the participants. The non-institutionalized participants presented better physical health; however, mental health was similar between the two groups.