Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index Questionnaire Research Articles

Impact of Oral Diseases on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Older People

Context: Oral diseases are an important public health problem because of their high prevalence, their impact on individuals and society, and the expensive nature of their treatment. The oral health of the older population is a global concern. Major problems include a high prevalence of missing teeth, dental caries, periodontal disease, and wasting diseases. Poor oral health has an influence on the quality of life (QoL) as well. We attempted to assess the impact of oral diseases on oral health-related QoL (OHRQoL) using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire. Aim: To investigate the impact of oral diseases on OHRQoL using the GOHAI questionnaires. Settings and Design: The study was a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted among the older populations in South Kerala. Subjects and Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study, in which 399 people participated: 200 were female and 199 were male. People above 60 years of age, who were permanent residents of the district, were recruited for the study. The sampling method used was circular systemic random sampling. Clinical examination was done according to the World Health Organization Oral Health Assessment Form 2013, and OHRQoL was recorded using GOHAI questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive analysis was performed using frequencies of variables, such as means and standard deviations. The bivariate analysis used Student's t-test to determine the association between variables. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 65 ± 5.5 years. Significant associations were found between the psychosocial domain and missing teeth (P < 0.05) and periodontitis (P < 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis, an association between the pain/discomfort domain was found in denture wear (P < 0.046) and tooth sensitivity (P < 0.003). Conclusions: The study found a reduction in the OHRQoL among the study population. The study finding underscores the impact of oral diseases on QoL.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Chronic Liver Failure Patients Measured by OHIP-14 and GOHAI.

Background Oro-dental diseases are prevalent in chronic liver failure (CLF) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life associated with oral health in candidates for liver transplant surgery. Materials and Methods The demographic information of 105 end-stage liver cirrhotic patients was collected. All patients were ordered a panoramic view for pretransplant dental evaluation. The DMFT (decayed-missing-filled tooth) index was calculated for dental examination. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was used for the severity of liver disease. The OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire and GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index) questionnaire were applied to evaluate the impact of oral disease on the quality of life. Results A total of 79 patients thoroughly completed the questionnaires; 79.7% were male, 32.9% were over 50, and 25.3% were less than 30 years old. Further, 12.7% smoked, 2.5% were illiterate, 64.6% had not finished school, and 10.1% had university degrees. Almost half of the cirrhotic patients were suffering from the disease for more than 3 years. Most complaints reported by the patients as “very often” were becoming self-conscious (13.9%) and being uncomfortable when eating any foods (13.9%) followed by feeling tense (12.8%). There was no significant difference between gender, smoking, age, and MELD score based on quality of life (OHIP and GOHAI) (P > 0.05). The level of education (P = 0.020), duration of disease (P = 0.017), and DMFT index (P = 0.039) had a significant impact on oral health-related quality of life in CLF patients. An inverse relationship was seen between the DMFT index and the quality of life. Conclusion Oral health has a high impact on the quality of life of cirrhotic patients. The psychological dimension of oral health is the most debilitating factor affecting the quality of life. This shows the importance of professional oral care, oral health, and self-care education in this group of patients.

Oral Health Related Quality of Life among Completely Edentulous Patients using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index

Introduction: Complete loss of teeth, though not life threatening, does have a significant impact on an individual, resulting in functional, psychological, and social limitations, affecting the quality of life and general health. Oral health related quality of life describes the outcomes of oral health conditions and therapy to those conditions.
 Objective: Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index questionnaire (GOHAI) consists of 12 items that have an impact on quality of life of the older population, such as functional limitation, psycho-social limitation, and self-medication administered for dental pain. The study aimed to assess the effects of complete edentulousness before prosthodontic rehabilitation using GOHAI.
 Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire study was done among 35 completely edentulous patients prior to prosthodontic rehabilitation using standardised GOHAI questionnaire consisting of 12 items and the twelfth item was eliminated due to its irrelevancy in the study group.
 Results: The mean age of the participants was 64.86±8.28 years with the mean duration of edentulousness of 4.02±5.4 years. The ability to swallow comfortably had highest mean GOHAI score (2.80±0.47) followed by use of medication to relieve pain and discomfort around the mouth. The least mean GOHAI score was found in trouble biting or chewing any kinds of food, such as firm meat or apples (1.26±0.56). However, the psychosocial impairment due to problems associated with complete edentulousness was less.
 Conclusion: Complete edentulousness was associated with impairment in physical functions like trouble in biting and chewing, with a need to limit the kinds and amount of food.

Oral health related quality of life by means of functional changes in Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) before and after insertion of new conventional complete dentures in completely edentulous patients.

The oral health-related quality of life determines the quantity to which oral health disrupts the regular life and common functioning of an individual. To evaluate the oral health problems of older adults, Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) can be used. GOHAI was developed by Atchinson and Dolan3 before and after complete denture therapy”. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department of Prosthodontics, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Period: February 18, 2018 to August 17, 2018. Material & Methods: Patients will be selected for the study according to the criteria. Patient history and clinical examination was undertaken. Upper and lower complete dentures was made-up for 30 patients (both male and female) using standardized clinical and laboratory methods. Conventional procedures were applied to complete denture construction. Complete dentures were constructed in the similar dental laboratory within the institution by compression moulding method. Laboratory and clinical remount procedures, beside with occlusal corrections were carried out using a semi-adjustable articulator. The GOHAI questionnaire was completed on two different appointments. First questionnaire was documented before denture insertion and second questionnaire was recorded after complete denture insertion. Results: Before treatment mean GOHAI score was 20.46 ± 2.85 and after treatment mean GOHAI score was improved and was 26.32 ± 2.34. The mean GOHAI score was statistically improved p-value < 0.001. For male patients, before treatment mean GOHAI score was 21.61 ± 2.59 and after treatment mean GOHAI score was improved and was 26.31±2.14. The mean GOHAI score was statistically improved in male patient, p-value < 0.001. For female, before treatment mean GOHAI score was 19.34 ± 2.70 and after treatment mean GOHAI score was improved and was 26.44 ± 2.49. The mean GOHAI score was statistically improved in female patients, p-value < 0.001. Conclusion: According to patient’s information enhancement in functional changes after placement of complete dentures.

Influence of Age and Time Since Edentulism on Masticatory Function and Quality of Life in Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdenture Wearers: 1-year Results from a Paired Clinical Study.

To investigate the influence of age and time since edentulism on masticatory function and quality of life related to oral health (OHRQoL) in totally edentulous patients after implant-retained mandibular overdenture (IMO) loading. The sample consisted of 33 patients categorized in two age groups (≤ 65 and > 65 years, respectively), and two time since edentulism groups (< 25 and ≥ 25 years). The masticatory function was evaluated through the masticatory performance and swallowing threshold tests before IMO loading, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after IMO loading. The OHRQoL was evaluated by applying the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT) and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaires, before loading and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Data were subjected to the Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples. The masticatory performance and swallowing threshold were not influenced by the age nor by time since edentulism, except 6 months after IMO loading when patients ≤ 65 years of age performed the swallowing threshold test in a significantly shorter time with a reduced number of masticatory cycles (P < .05). The masticatory performance and swallowing threshold outcomes showed a gradual improvement up to 12 months, irrespective of the patient categorization. The GOHAI questionnaire scores showed that the OHRQoL was influenced by age in complete denture wearers with a difference between groups in the psychosocial and global domains. The time since edentulism was not affected by the GOHAI scores of complete denture wearers (P < .05). The OHIP-EDENT questionnaire only indicated significant differences as a function of age or time since edentulism between complete denture wearers. Age was associated with significant differences in the physical pain domain outcome, while time since edentulism did not affect only the psychologic discomfort, psychologic inability, and handicap domains. Neither the age nor the time since edentulism influenced the masticatory function of IMO-wearing patients. However, IMO significantly improved the masticatory function in totally edentulous patients, and this is more evident for younger patients (≤ 65 years) with a shorter time since mandibular edentulism (< 25 years). The OHRQoL is only influenced by age and time since edentulism in complete denture wearers; IMO treatment eliminates these differences.

ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS AFTER IMPLANT TREATMENT: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY IN A PRIVATE DENTAL PRACTICE

Introduction: Clinicians are currently unable to quantify the psychosocial, functional, and esthetic effects of prosthetic interventions to replace teeth. Understanding the effects of treatment to replace teeth on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is important.&#x0D; Aims and Objectives: This study aimed at analysing the improvement of OHRQoL of patients who underwent dental implant treatment using the “functional”, “psychosocial” and “pain and discomfort” categories of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: These patients were assessed for their OHRQoL by answering a GOHAI questionnaire before implant placement and between 3 to 9 months after treatment. Gender, age, tobacco habits and potential preliminary periodontal treatment were also determined at the beginning of the study. In our study, evaluation process of OHRQol was assessed using the GOHAI questionnaire and data were collected during interviews. GOHAI comprised 12 items. For each one a score between 1 and 5 was given.&#x0D; Results: Out of 200 subjects, 125 were males and 75 females at a ratio of 1.66 to 1. The mean age was 45±2.9 years. According to the degree of oral treatment needed, the subjects were categorised as “Single Tooth” (n = 95), “Fixed Partial Denture” (n = 85; 2 to 6 teeth replaced) and “Full Prostheses” (n = 20; 10 to 14 replaced teeth). The latter category comprised “full fixed Prostheses” (n = 9) and “Implant Retained Complete Over-denture” (n = 11). The characteristics of this population did not have any statistically significant impact on GOHAIAdd scores before or after treatment. These parameters were also not associated with changes in the OHRQoL of the participants.&#x0D; Conclusion: OHRQoL was found to be improved after oral treatment by implants.&#x0D; Key Words: Implant, Oral health, Questionnaire Removable Partial Denture, Fixed Partial Denture.

Evaluation of salivary cortisol levels in relation to dento-maxillary prosthesis adjustment

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of dento-maxillary prosthesis adjustment procedure on levels of salivary cortisol. MethodsNine participants (six men, three women, mean age 65.9 years) took part in this study. Saliva samples were collected before and after dento-maxillary prosthesis adjustment during the four different visits. Free cortisol levels were determined using a salivary cortisol immunoassay kit (expanded-range high-sensitivity salivary cortisol enzyme immunoassay kit, Salimetrics). Besides, original self-report sheets, a 35-item food intake questionnaire, the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire version 4, and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire were also administered. The changes of salivary cortisol levels were analyzed using 2-level multilevel linear regression, with adjustment for age, sex, and time. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare scores of the food intake questionnaire, UW-QOL questionnaire, and GOHAI questionnaire. ResultsSalivary cortisol levels decreased significantly after carrying out the dento-maxillary prosthesis adjustment procedure. During the third adjustment, the salivary cortisol levels were significantly low. In addition, salivary cortisol levels of participants aged 70 years and over were significantly higher than other aged groups. The total scores for grade III–V of the food intake questionnaire increased significantly. Other questionnaires had a trend toward increasing scores, yet the differences were not significant. ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, the results suggest that a reduction in symptoms of discomfort may have an influence on the decrease of salivary cortisol levels in dento-maxillary prosthesis wearers.

Translation and validation of the Nepalese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index

To translate and validate the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) (Nepali version) from original English version. Growing numbers of elderly people have problems in different aspects of oral health increasing the demand for dental care services among them GOHAI may be one of the effective means of gathering information on oral health problems of the elderly people. A total of 168 individuals ≥60 years from seven old-age homes located in Eastern Nepal were included in the study. The Nepali version of GOHAI was translated and validated. A total of 168 elderly people (79 male and 89 female participants) completed GOHAI questionnaire. The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 72.49 (±10.00) years. The mean GOHAI score (±SD) was 42.29 (±6.93) and ranged from 17 to 59. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the Nepali version of GOHAI (GOHAI-N) was 0.74, which is categorised as very good agreement. Analysis of discriminant validity showed that lower mean GOHAI score was seen in study participants with more number of missing and decayed teeth. However, those who had more than one filled surface had higher mean GOHAI score. The Nepali version of the GOHAI exhibited acceptable reliability and validity when used for older people residing in old age homes. The GOHAI-N showed good consistency and homogeneity among the items.

Association of Oral-Health Related Quality of Life and General Health Assessment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To determine the impact of oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) on general health in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Ninety-one patients with RA (mean age 52.82 ± 11 years, 75.82% female, 20.87% smokers) and 30 systemically healthy patients (control) were evaluated for their OHRQoL by means of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaires. Self-perceived RA status was assessed using the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3). The mean SC-GOHAI score was 3.69 ± 2.47 for RA subjects and 1.36 ± 2.69 in the control group. Statistically significant differences were seen between RA and control groups (p < 0.05). RA patients with and without periodontitis (PA) exhibited similar SC-GOHAI (Simple Count GOHAI) scores (p = 0.980). No statistically significant differences were observed between any of the groups, either for the OHIP 14-extent or for the OHIP 14-prevalence. RAPID3 scores showed that the majority of the RA patients (65.93%) had high disease severity (RAPID3 >12, mean RAPID3 score 14.39 ± 5.14). Statistically significantly higher values were recorded for general health assessment (PTGE, p = 0.009) and fatigue (FT, p = 0.004) in RA with PA as compared to those without. SC-GOHAI with values between 5 and 8 was statistically significantly associated with high severity health impairment (RAPID3 >12, p = 0.014, OR: 8.64). Within their limits, the present findings indicate that: a) moderate OHRQoL as assessed by GOHAI may contribute to high severity impairment of health in RA patients, and b) the GOHAI questionnaire may represent a more adequate tool than OHIP-14 for assessing OHRQoL in patients suffering from RA.

Masticatory function and oral health-related quality of life in patients after partial maxillectomies with closed or open defects

Statement of problemThe healing pattern after surgical resection of tumors of the oral cavity involving the maxilla may vary from one patient to another. The result may be open communication between the oral and nasal cavities (open defect) or complete oronasal separation after healing of the defect area (closed defect). PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to compare masticatory function and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients with closed and open defects who had undergone a partial maxillectomy and were wearing dentomaxillary prostheses. Material and methodsThirty-eight participants who had undergone a partial maxillectomy and who were wearing dentomaxillary prostheses were enrolled between September 2014 and April 2016. Participants were assigned to 2 groups according to the type of defect after healing: 19 participants had a closed defect, and 19 participants had an open defect. Masticatory function was evaluated objectively and subjectively. The objective measurement was food-mixing ability, which was assessed using color-changeable chewing gum. The subjective measurement was perceived mastication ability, rated as a masticatory score based on the patient’s responses to a 35-item food intake questionnaire. OHRQoL was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). The GOHAI questionnaire consists of 12 items reflecting 3 hypothesized domains of the impact of oral disease: physical function, psychosocial function, and pain or discomfort. Differences in the scores obtained by the 3 measurements were compared between the 2 groups, using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test (α=.05). ResultsNo significant differences were seen between the 2 groups in objective mixing ability, subjective masticatory score, or GOHAI (P>.05). Regarding the GOHAI physical function domain, only the swallowing item was significantly lower (P=.025) in participants with an open defect than in participants with a closed defect. Regarding the GOHAI psychological function domain, the item related to patients’ psychological worries or concerns about their teeth, gingival tissue, or dentures was significantly lower (P=.045) in patients with an open defect than in those with a closed defect. Other items related to physical function, psychological function, and pain or discomfort were not significantly different (P>.05) between the 2 groups. ConclusionsThe closed or open defect in patients who had undergone a partial maxillectomy may not influence patients’ masticatory function and overall OHRQoL if they have adequate prosthetic rehabilitation. However, special consideration should be given to patients with an open defect with regard to swallowing function and psychological concerns in order to improve their OHRQoL.

Oral health-related quality of life of institutionalized elderly in Serbia

Background/Aim. Elderly residents in nursing homes have a great risk of periodontal and tooth diseases. Improving oral health can also improve residents? general health and quality of life. The objective of our study was to investigate oral health related quality of life of institutionalized elderly in Serbia using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Methods. The Serbian version of the GOHAI questionnaire was developed in accordance with the recommended backward- forward method. A total of 301 participants completed the Serbian version of the GOHAI questionnaire. The questionnaire sought information about sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported perception of general and oral health. Clinical examination included assessment of periodontal and dental status. Reliability, internal consistency, and concurrent and convergent validity of GOHAI scores were examined. Results. There were 197 female and 104 male participants with the average age of 78.6 (SD ? 7.8) and average time spent in nursing home 4.9 (SD ? 4.7) years. The average score of the GOHAI was 48.4 (SD ? 8.4). Low GOHAI scores were associated with perceptions of poor oral and general health. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the Serbian version of GOHAI was 0.79. This instrument showed a high level of internal consistency and homogeneity between questions. The respondents who perceived that they needed dental treatment at the time had significantly lower GOHAI scores. A total of 48.5% of the participants reported ?always? having difficulties when chewing. On the other hand, a small number of participants (0.3%) used medications ?always? to relieve dental pain. Conclusion. The Serbian version of the GOHAI showed acceptable reliability and validity. The GOHAI final score was considered low, indicating low oral health self-perception by the institutionalized elderly in Serbia.

Introduction to verification of the GOHAI instrument for measuring the oral health-related quality of life in patients with dentures using the Serbian preliminary version--A pilot study.

Quality of life related to health should be seen as a multidimensional concept that, in addition to the physical symptoms associated with a disease and treatment, should include physical, psychological and social functioning of a person. The primary objective of this study was to use the Serbian preliminary version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire in oder to examine the consistency, reliability and stability, as well as an introduction to the verification tool. The GOHAI questionnaire with 6-level Likert scale, translated into Serbian, including the relevant oral health characteristics (oral hygiene, required dentures, number of teeth extracted), was filled by five specialists in prosthodontics for 30 randomly selected respondents, before and after the dental prosthetic treatment. Subsequently, in order to measure the reliability of the questionnaire, 27 patients were re-interviewed. The value of Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient (Crα) before the treatment was 0.878, and after the treatment it was 0.788 confirming the internal consistency and stability of the questionnaire. The validity of discriminatory properties of the GOHAI was confirmed by the Spearman's correlation coefficient (r), which was highly significantly associated with oral health characteristics, confirming the high reliability of the measurement. The results of test-retest analysis measured by the individual Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were in the range of 0.34-0.97, and for the total score r was 0.927, while the Kappa coefficient was 0.63. The correlation analysis of the GOHAI score before the treatment showed that for 10 questions there was a statistically significant correlation of the score with the answers to the questions, and for 6 questions Spearman's r was ≥ 0.7. After the treatment a highly significant correlation of the GOHAI was shown with the answers to 10 questions, while for 5 questions the Spearman's r was > 0.6. The GOHAI average score before the treatment was 19.44 ± 11.12, and after the treatment 2.77 ± 3.83, where the lower value indicates better quality of life. The results of this pilot study confirm internal consistency and stability of the Serbian preliminary version of the GOHAI questionnaire and the causal relation between the quality of life and the characteristics of oral health of the patients with dentures. Accordingly, instrument verification is recommended.

Translation and validation of Hindi version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index

The aim of the study was to translate and validate the oral health-related quality of life assessment tool named Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) into Hindi language for use in the Indian population. The 12-item GOHAI questionnaire was translated into Hindi, back-translated and compared with the original English version. After pilot testing and appropriate changes, the Hindi version was administered to a group of 500 patients visiting the geriatric medicine clinic in All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The questionnaire was re-administered to 29 participants after a gap of minimum 7days. The measures for reliability and validity were also assessed. Cronbach's α score (0.79) showed excellent internal consistency. Item-scale correlations varied from 0.06 to 0.75. Test-retest correlation on the 29 patients showed excellent results (ranging from 0.748 to 0.946). Lower GOHAI scores were associated with patient's self-perception of nutritional status, perceptive need for prosthesis, number of posterior occluding pair of teeth. Higher GOHAI scores were seen with patients with removable prosthesis than with edentulous or partially edentulous participants. Age group was also found to be a significant factor for GOHAI scores. The Hindi version of GOHAI exhibits acceptable validity and reliability and can be used in the elderly Indian population as a measure of oral health-related quality of life.

The impact of implant treatment on oral health related quality of life in a private dental practice: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundVery few studies on the impact of implant therapy on Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in partially edentulous patients have been published.AimThis study aimed at analysing the improvement of OHRQoL of patients who underwent dental implant treatment using the “functional”, “psychosocial” and “pain and discomfort” categories of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI).MethodsWithin a prospective cohort of patients rehabilitated with Straumann dental implants, the OHRQoL of 176 patients (104 women and 72 men) was assessed using the GOHAI questionnaire, at two different times, before and after implant placement. The degree of oral treatment was categorised into three classes: “Single Tooth Implant” (n = 77), “Fixed Partial Denture” (n = 75), “Fixed or Retained Full Prostheses” (n = 24). The participants’ characteristics (gender, age, tobacco habits, periodontal treatment, time between both evaluations) were assessed.ResultsBefore treatment, the GOHAI score was lower for participants with fewer teeth (F = 19, P < 0.001). After treatment, no difference was observed between participants; significant improvements were observed in the GOHAI scores obtained (repeated measures, analysis, (F = 177, P < 0.001)) for each of the GOHAI fields studied (functional, psychosocial and pain & discomfort), regardless of the degree of treatment. The best improvement was observed in patients who needed complete treatment (P < 0.001). The presence of preliminary periodontal treatment, tobacco habits, age and gender of the participants did not have a significant impact on OHRQoL. Changing the time between the two evaluations (before and after treatment) had no impact on the changes in the GOHAI score.ConclusionsImplants enhanced the OHRQoL of participants that needed oral treatment.

Assessment of changes in oral health‐related quality of life among patients with complete denture before and 1 month post‐insertion using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index

Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) is a 12-item measure of "patient-reported oral functional problems" intended for use in the assessment of the effectiveness of dental treatment. As there is scanty literature available on GOHAI in the Indian population, the present study was undertaken to assess the changes in GOHAI before and 1 month after placement of dentures in completely edentulous patients reporting to a dental hospital at Indore, India. The GOHAI questionnaire was completed by the examiner who interviewed the patients (n = 35) before placement of complete dentures and 1 month later. Mean, median values were calculated and the data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. When overall mean was considered, the GOHAI scores increased from 27.48 to 30.19 (p = 0.002; highly significant). Patients reported improvement in functional changes after placement of complete dentures.

Translation and validation of the Arabic version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI)

Our aim was to translate the original English version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) into Arabic and assess its validity and reliability for use among people in North Jordan. After translation into Arabic and back-translation to check the translation quality, a total of 288 participants completed the Arabic version of the GOHAI questionnaire. Individual GOHAI items were recoded and summed as originally recommended. The questionnaire sought information about socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported perception of general and oral health. Clinical examination included assessment of periodontal status, and number of decayed teeth, missing teeth, filled teeth and crowned teeth. Reliability, internal consistency, and concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity of GOHAI scores were examined. Mean GOHAI score was 40.9 (SD = 10.6, range: 12 to 60). Cronbach's alpha for the GOHAI score was 0.88, indicating a high degree of internal consistency and homogeneity between the GOHAI items. The test-retest correlation coefficient for add-GOHAI scores was 0.72, indicating good stability. Add-GOHAI scores increased with poorer perceived general and oral health. Convergent validity, construct validity and discriminant validity of the GOHAI were demonstrated. The Arabic translation of the GOHAI demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability when used for people in North Jordan. It could therefore be used as a valuable instrument for measuring oral health-related quality of life for people in this region.