Abstract
BackgroundIn recent years, there has been an increase of aging population with longer life expectancy in females. This study aims to compare some oral health parameters and quality of life in the elderly.MethodsThe survey involved 500 urban residents (Wroclaw, Poland) aged 65 and older, of both gender. Socio-demografic data were assessed by self-reported questionnaire. Clinical examination included oral health assessment by the World Health Organization criteria with extension and oral dryness (Chalacombe scale). Quality of Life (QoL) was evaluated using Euro-Quality of Life, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, which were validated for the Polish population. The relationship strength between psychometric scale scores and sociodemographic and clinical factors was determined by calculating Spearman’s linear correlation coefficient values and regression coefficient values.ResultsThere was no gender-wise differences in oral health parameters, except for a higher number of decayed teeth in males (DT 1.9±3.2 vs 1.2±2.4; p = 0.34). Oral dryness was diagnosed significantly more frequently in females then males (36.9% vs. 25.5%; p = 0.076). The males were significantly more likely to have high treatment needs (36.1% vs. 26.9%; p = 0.032) and they required urgent dental treatment (7.2% vs. 2.8%; p = 0.022). There were no significant differences in terms of QoL evaluated by EQ-5D, EQ-5D VAS or OHIP-14 questionnaires between males and females (0.832±0.194 vs 0.855±0.197, 67.9±10.9 vs 66.1±18.6, 7.2±12.9 vs 8.5±14.0, respectively; p > 0.05). However, females presented the higher severity of depressive symptoms measured by the PHQ-9 questionnaire (4.0±4.1 vs. 2.8±3.8; p<0.001).ConclusionIt can be concluded that the independent predictors which significantly affect the high QoL scores on the EQ-5D scale were found to be female gender, age below 75, high or middle income, independence in daily life, a low number of comorbidities, lack of oral treatment needs.
Highlights
Quality of life is a broad, multifaceted concept that is of interest in the field of psychology, philosophy, and medicine
Quality of Life (QoL) was evaluated using Euro-Quality of Life, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, which were validated for the Polish population
There were no significant differences in terms of quality of life (QoL) evaluated by EQ-5D, EQ-5D VAS or Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaires between males and females (0.832±0.194 vs 0.855±0.197, 67.9±10.9 vs 66.1 ±18.6, 7.2±12.9 vs 8.5±14.0, respectively; p > 0.05)
Summary
Quality of life is a broad, multifaceted concept that is of interest in the field of psychology, philosophy, and medicine. There has been an increase in the number of ageing population, especially in highly developed countries. It is conditioned by the increasing length of life as a result of civilisation progress with a simultaneous decline in births, resulting in an increase in a percentage of the population of the elderly compared to younger persons. Life expectancy is a demographic data element that is frequently used and analysed in all countries. It represents the average life expectancy at birth and it results from the overall health of a country’s population. This study aims to compare some oral health parameters and quality of life in the elderly
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