Translation and validation of the Nepalese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index.

OBJECTIVE

To translate and validate the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) (Nepali version) from original English version.

BACKGROUND

Growing numbers of elderly people have problems in different aspects of oral health increasing the demand for dental care services among them GOHAI may be one of the effective means of gathering information on oral health problems of the elderly people.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 168 individuals ≥60 years from seven old-age homes located in Eastern Nepal were included in the study. The Nepali version of GOHAI was translated and validated.

RESULTS

A total of 168 elderly people (79 male and 89 female participants) completed GOHAI questionnaire. The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 72.49 (±10.00) years. The mean GOHAI score (±SD) was 42.29 (±6.93) and ranged from 17 to 59. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the Nepali version of GOHAI (GOHAI-N) was 0.74, which is categorised as very good agreement. Analysis of discriminant validity showed that lower mean GOHAI score was seen in study participants with more number of missing and decayed teeth. However, those who had more than one filled surface had higher mean GOHAI score.

CONCLUSION

The Nepali version of the GOHAI exhibited acceptable reliability and validity when used for older people residing in old age homes. The GOHAI-N showed good consistency and homogeneity among the items.