Self-perceived oral health status in institutionalized elderly in Brazil

Abstract

This study aims to identify self-perceived oral health status in institutionalized elderly in Brazil, using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and to seek associations with objective and subjective conditions and behavior related to oral health, individual traits, and environmental factors. A cross-sectional study using census with institutionalized elderly in Brazil. A total of 1192 individuals were evaluated, and 587 (49.2%) responded to the GOHAI. A questionnaire and an epidemiological survey were applied. The Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, Fisher's exact, chi-square, and multiple logistic regression tests were performed. Mean age was 74.98±9.5 years, 51.4% (302) were male. The mean DMFT-index (DMFT=decayed, missing, filled teeth) was 28.8±5.5 and 54.5% (320) of the elderly were toothless. Categorized GOHAI showed that 75% (440) of the individuals had positive self-perception of oral health status. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that the last visit to the dentist (adjusted prevalence ratio=PR=4.058; confidence interval=CI=1.526–10.789), presence of gingival problems (adjusted PR=5.703; CI=1.754–18.544), and self-rating of teeth, gums, or prosthesis (adjusted PR=19.514; CI=5.075–75.041) remained significant in the model. Predominance of positive self-perception of oral health status was observed despite poor oral conditions. Thus, for the institutionalized population, the present study recommends epidemiological and self-perception surveys to ensure adequate planning of oral health strategies.