Educational program to improve quality of life among elderly regarding oral health

Abstract

BackgroundThe ratio of elderly is rising faster than that of any other age group. The mutual relation between oral health and general health is specially stated among older people. Poor oral health affects negatively the quality of life among elderly. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational program on quality of life among elderly regarding oral health. MethodsA quasi-experimental pretest-and-posttest design was utilized in the geriatric social club in Zagazig City. A purposive sample of 75 elderly subjects who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. Five tools were used as follow: Tool I: A structured interview questionnaire to assess elderly's demographic characteristics, Tool II: Elderly oral health knowledge structured interview questionnaire, Tool III: Elderly oral self-care practices questionnaire and checklist, Tool IV: The Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) For Non –Dental Professional, and Tool V: Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) Short Version. ResultsIt revealed that the participants ' age ranged between 60 and 82 years, with mean 69.25 ± 7.53 years, with more women. Also, the results showed post-program statistically significant improvements in oral health knowledge, oral self-care practices, oral health assessment, and OHRQoL scores (p < 0.001). The follow-up phase showed some decline in improvement but still significantly higher compared to the pre-program levels (p < 0.01). ConclusionThe oral health educational program is effective in improving the elderly's quality of life.