Relation between Oral Health Care for the Elderly and Their Quality of Life

Abstract

Background : Oral health care has a significant effect on the quality of life (QoL) of elderly wellbeing. The aim of present study : was to assess relation between oral health care of elderly and their quality of life. Subjects and method: Design: This research used descriptive cross sectional research design. Setting: It was conducted in Ali Ebn Abi Talib Health Insurance Outpatient Clinics, Tanta city. Subjects: Convenience sample of 500 aged who attended the previous settings were participate in this study. Tools of study: Two tools were used to collect data Tool І: A structure interview schedule that consisted of three parts, Part (1): Socio demographic characteristics, medical history, and lifestyle of elderly, Part (2): Knowledge of aged person about oral health care and Part (3): Self-reported practices of elderly about oral care. Tool II: Oral health related quality of life scale (OHRQoL). Results: Less than two-thirds (62.4%) of studied participants had high levels of knowledge, more than half (58.2 %) of the participants had unsatisfactory practices and the majority of them (84.8%) had poor levels of quality of life regarding oral health . Conclusion: There was highly significant positive correlation between total score of knowledge and practices of studies elderly, and total score of quality of life at P < 0.01. Recommendations: present study recommended that, health promotion instructions should be designed for improving the elderly's oral health practices and oral health related quality of life.