Oral Health Care Situation of Dependent Older People: Older Health Care StakeholdersÃ¢ÂÂ Perspectives

Tipruthai Prayoonwong,Tidawan Wiwatkhunupakan,Duangruedee Lasuka

doi:10.4172/2167-7182.s4-009

Abstract

Objective: To explore the oral health care situation of dependent older people in Tambon Tha Pla Duk, Amphur Mae Tha, Lamphun Province in the north of Thailand from the perspectives of older health care stakeholders. Material and Method: Data were collected through focus group discussion with key stakeholders in older peoples’ health care. Supplementary data were collected through a triangulation of in-depth interviews, selfadministered questionnaires, and participant observations with field notes. Data analysis was carried out by using qualitative approaches. The data from all processes were coded, grouped, interpreted, and thematically analyzed for emerging themes. Results: The oral health care situation of dependent older people identified by the stakeholders were categorized into four issues: 1) Stakeholders’ perceptions about the importance of oral care for dependent older people, 2) The current oral health services and access to oral health services for dependent older people, 3) The problems identified by the stakeholders regarding oral care, and 4) The needs of the stakeholders regarding oral care. There were three main issues needing urgent consideration to improve the oral health care of the dependent older people in this sub-district: 1) No specific oral health care and services were available for the dependent older people. 2) There would have to be an improvement of the stakeholders’ knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes regarding older peoples’ oral care. 3) Increased awareness of older peoples’ oral health care in the community was necessary. Conclusion: The oral health care situation of dependent older people identified by the stakeholders should be considered important in order to develop an effective geriatric oral health program in this sub-district.

Highlights

The need to maintain good oral health in Thai older people is gaining more attention than ever as more Thai people live longer
The main issues for the focus group discussion were as follows: Stakeholders’ perceptions about the importance of oral care for dependent older people; The current oral health services and access to oral health services for dependent older people; The problems identified by the stakeholders regarding oral care; The needs of the stakeholders regarding oral care
The findings suggest that the stakeholders were aware of the importance of oral care for dependent older people, and they could make connections between oral health and general health

Summary

Introduction

The need to maintain good oral health in Thai older people is gaining more attention than ever as more Thai people live longer. According to population projections for Thailand from 2010 to 2040, derived from the Annual Report Situation of Thai Older People 2012, the number of Thai older people who aged 60 and over has increased continuously, from 13.2 percent of the total population in 2010, and is likely to escalate to around 32.1 percent of the total population by 2040 [1]. The longer-living older people are likely to have a higher risk of chronic illnesses, infirmities or disabilities. This will cause them to depend more on others in their daily activities. Oral problems can cause pain, infection, inability to eat or communicate, may increase the risk of complications or lead to life-threatening conditions - including malnutrition, dehydration, brain abscesses, valvular heart disease, joint infections, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and aspiration pneumonia [4,5]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion