Oral health-related quality of life and associated factors of elderly population in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of oral health on quality of life in a representative sample of elderly population in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and to evaluate its associations with dental caries, periodontal disease, subjective oral measures, and sociodemographic factors. Subjects and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional observational research design. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling, and data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire and oral examination. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis was used to establish association between variables. Significance was determined at 95% confidence interval and statistical significance inferred at P < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of negative impact of oral health on quality of life was 38.1%. The mean Oral Health Impact Profile-14 score was 11.15 ± 8.36; the highest mean was recorded for physical pain (2.87 ± 1.17). Painful aching, 48.1%, was the highest impact on quality of life experienced by the participants. Female gender, younger elderly, poor self-perception of oral health, dental caries, and periodontitis produced a higher significant negative impact of oral disease on the quality of life. Conclusion: The prevalence of negative impact recorded in this study was comparable to that obtained in other similar studies. The study revealed that sociodemographic variables and subjective and clinical oral measures impact significantly on the oral health-related quality of life of the participants. The study suggests the need for these factors to be considered when planning oral health intervention program for the elderly.