Geriatric Oral Health and Quality of Life Among the Indigenous Irula Tribes of Tamil Nadu

IF 1.7 Q3 DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE

Clinical and Experimental Dental Research Pub Date : 2024-11-03 DOI:10.1002/cre2.70036

Margret Beaula Alocious Sukumar, Alex Joseph, Baidaa Alhalabi

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Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among the Irula tribes and to know the factors influencing quality of life among the elderly irula tribes of Tamil Nadu.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Northern district of Tamil Nadu, including 486 Irula individuals aged 65 and above. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, including the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to evaluate OHRQoL. The study tool covered demographics, medical history, and oral health issues. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with logistic regression applied to account for confounders.

Results

The sample primarily consisted of individuals aged 65–69 years (55.6%), with a predominance of females (76.3%). The majority were Hindu (94.9%) and lived in nuclear families (88.3%). Educational levels were low, with 66.5% being illiterate. Most participants were agricultural laborers (64.6%) and had low monthly incomes. GOHAI results revealed that many respondents faced significant oral health challenges, including difficulties with eating, speaking, and discomfort. Multivariate analysis showed that educational level significantly affected OHRQoL, with higher education correlating with better quality of life. Arthritis was associated with poorer OHRQoL, while other health conditions did not show significant impacts.

Conclusion

The study highlights severe oral health issues among the Irula community, with significant physical and psychological impacts. Educational attainment plays a crucial role in OHRQoL, while arthritis notably affects quality of life. The findings emphasize the need for targeted oral health interventions and increased awareness in tribal communities to improve overall health outcomes. Further research in larger populations is necessary to comprehensively understand and address geriatric oral health needs.

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泰米尔纳德邦土著伊鲁拉部落的老年口腔健康和生活质量。

研究目的本研究旨在评估伊鲁拉部落中与口腔健康相关的生活质量（OHRQoL），并了解影响泰米尔纳德邦伊鲁拉部落老年人生活质量的因素：这项横断面研究在泰米尔纳德邦北部地区进行，包括 486 名 65 岁及以上的伊鲁拉人。研究人员采用多阶段抽样法选出。通过结构化问卷收集数据，包括老年口腔健康评估指数 (GOHAI)，以评估口腔健康状况和生活质量。研究工具涵盖了人口统计学、病史和口腔健康问题。数据分析使用 SPSS 23 版进行，并采用逻辑回归来考虑混杂因素：样本主要由 65-69 岁的人组成（55.6%），女性占多数（76.3%）。大多数人信奉印度教（94.9%），生活在核心家庭中（88.3%）。受教育程度较低，66.5% 为文盲。大多数受访者是农业工人（64.6%），月收入较低。全球口腔健康状况调查（GOHAI）结果显示，许多受访者面临严重的口腔健康问题，包括进食困难、说话困难和不适。多变量分析表明，受教育程度对口腔健康生活质量有显著影响，受教育程度越高，生活质量越高。关节炎与较差的 OHRQoL 有关，而其他健康状况则没有明显影响：这项研究凸显了伊鲁拉社区严重的口腔健康问题，对身体和心理造成了重大影响。受教育程度在 OHRQoL 中起着至关重要的作用，而关节炎则对生活质量有明显影响。研究结果强调，有必要在部落社区采取有针对性的口腔健康干预措施，并提高人们的认识，以改善整体健康状况。有必要在更大的人群中开展进一步研究，以全面了解和满足老年人的口腔健康需求。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Clinical and Experimental Dental Research DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE-

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

5.60%

发文量

165

审稿时长

26 weeks

期刊介绍： Clinical and Experimental Dental Research aims to provide open access peer-reviewed publications of high scientific quality representing original clinical, diagnostic or experimental work within all disciplines and fields of oral medicine and dentistry. The scope of Clinical and Experimental Dental Research comprises original research material on the anatomy, physiology and pathology of oro-facial, oro-pharyngeal and maxillofacial tissues, and functions and dysfunctions within the stomatognathic system, and the epidemiology, aetiology, prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of diseases and conditions that have an effect on the homeostasis of the mouth, jaws, and closely associated structures, as well as the healing and regeneration and the clinical aspects of replacement of hard and soft tissues with biomaterials, and the rehabilitation of stomatognathic functions. Studies that bring new knowledge on how to advance health on the individual or public health levels, including interactions between oral and general health and ill-health are welcome.