Gender issues and oral health in elderly Indians

Abstract

Gender disparity in health and diseases is increasingly being recognised. Therefore, it was decided to investigate gender differences in the elderly subjects (60+years) from a community-based study. The study was undertaken to evaluate the oral health status and treatment needs of urban and rural elderly and to study the impact of socio-demographic variables on them. An urban area in South Delhi and its adjoining four villages was selected. A modified WHO-Oral Health Survey proforma and Rup-Nagpal's scale were used to record oral health and socio-demographic data respectively. In addition, diet pattern (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) and body mass index (BMI) were also recorded. Chi square test and p values were calculated for each of the studied parameters. There were significant differences for socio-economic status, literacy level, marital and family status between elderly men and women (p<0.0001). A higher percentage of elderly women were vegetarian and overweight than elderly men (p<0.01). However, there were few differences found in the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases and edentulousness between male and female elderly (p>0.01). The only difference found was in the evidence of previous dental treatment received. Elderly men had a higher percentage of filled teeth and denture wear compared to elderly women (p<0.01). Women's oral health is significantly influenced by social, economic and psychological factors.