Oral health-related quality of life and a number of remaining teeth among elderly in Tha-bar-wa center, thanlyin township, Yangon, Myanmar

Abstract

© 2018 Journal of International Oral Health | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow. Objective: This cross.sectional survey is aimed to reveal oral health.related quality of life among the neglected elders, aged 60 years old and older, living in an elderly home. Materials and Methods: Survey was conducted at the elderly home of Tha.Bar.Wa Center, Thanlyin township, Yangon, Myanmar. Study participants (n = 146) were selected using systematic random sampling. Interview questionnaire and standard questionnaire of oral health impact profile (OHIP.14) were used to collect data and measured oral health.related quality of life. Dental status was assessed by visual inspection of one researcher throughout the survey. Descriptive statistics, t.test, or analysis of variance (ANOVA) was analyzed to demonstrate mean difference and multiple regression for statistically relationships. Results: Unacceptable level of oral health knowledge (72, 49.3%) and practice (83, 56.8%) were determined, regardless of the acceptable level of attitude (114, 78.1%). OHIP.14 scores range in 0.40, with mean standard deviation (SD) of 18.7 (9.7). Numbers of remaining teeth range in 0.32, with mean SD of 13.6 (8.6). OHIP.14 scores were significantly different between the age groups (60.64 and ≥70) (P = 0.006), living with partner or alone (P = 0.020), having >19 teeth to those being edentulous and those having ≥19 teeth (P < 0.001) and as of unacceptable or acceptable knowledge levels (P = 0.022). Significant negative relationship between number of remaining teeth and score of OHIP.14 was found when controlled for age in the year (β = .0.558, 95% CI = ≥0.828..0.496, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Oral health.related quality of life in this group of neglected elders was averagely low and systematic oral health care is evidently in need.