Profile of Oral Diseases and Associated Factors in the Elderly in the Buea Health District, Cameroon

Background: Demographic projections estimate a future global increase in the number of elderly with increase susceptibility to chronic and life-threatening diseases increases such as poor oral health conditions. This reduces quality of life, as it restricts food choices, affects esthetics and reduces self-esteem among the elderly. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of oral health pathologies of the elderly in the Buea Health District.   Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted in four communities and major health facilities of the Buea Health District. Participants were interviewed to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, determinants of oral health, and oral hygiene behavior.  Oral cavity examination was also carried out to assess the oral hygiene behavior of the elderly. The data was analyzed in SPSS version 26. Results: Out of 386 participants examined, 372 (96.4%) had at least one oral pathology. Dental caries was most prevalent (67.9%) with mean decay- missing- filled index (DMF) of 14.3 ± 8.7, followed by periodontitis (45.6%), gingivitis (45.6%) and edentulism (39.1%). Determinants of oral pathologies included tooth brushing frequency, health area, level of education, marital status and occupation. The mean score of oral hygiene behavior was 2.88±1.36, with 71.2% of participants with good oral hygiene behavior. There was a significant association between poor oral hygiene behavior and dental caries. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of oral pathologies amongst the elderly of Buea Health District. Poor oral hygiene practice was associated with dental caries which was the most prevalent oral pathology.