Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
Department of Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Via T. Campanella, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 23;18(4):2175. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18042175.
The objectives of this study were to describe the oral health status in the institutionalized geriatric population in an area of southern Italy and to identify the impact of oral health on the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Data were collected from individuals aged ≥60 years in randomly selected Calabrian long-term care facilities. The dental health status was assessed recording the decayed, missing, or filled dental elements due to the carious lesions (DMFT) index, the presence of visible dental plaque, and the gingival condition. The influence of the dental health status on the self-perceived value of life was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Among the 344 elderly individuals included, 18.4% reported frequent tooth-brushing, and only 39.9% reported the need of dental care. The DMFT index was 26.4. Less than a third of the participants had a GOHAI score of ≤50 which is suggestive of highly compromised OHRQoL. The GOHAI score was significantly better for elderly individuals with no self-perceived need of dental care and with a lower DMFT index. The burden of oral conditions among residents in long-term care facilities was considerable, with a high prevalence of missing teeth and dentures. Strategies targeting care providers are needed.
本研究旨在描述意大利南部某一地区机构化老年人群的口腔健康状况，并探讨口腔健康对口腔健康相关生活质量（OHRQoL）的影响。数据来自于卡拉布里亚地区随机选择的长期护理机构中年龄≥60 岁的个体。通过记录因龋齿导致的龋齿、缺失或填补的牙齿元素（DMFT）指数、可见的牙菌斑和牙龈状况，评估了个体的口腔健康状况。使用老年口腔健康评估指数（GOHAI）评估了口腔健康状况对个体自我感知生活价值的影响。在纳入的 344 名老年人中，18.4%的人经常刷牙，只有 39.9%的人表示需要口腔护理。DMFT 指数为 26.4。不到三分之一的参与者的 GOHAI 评分≤50，这表明 OHRQoL 受到了严重影响。对于自我感知不需要口腔护理和 DMFT 指数较低的老年人，GOHAI 评分明显更好。长期护理机构居民的口腔状况负担较重，缺牙和义齿的患病率较高。需要针对护理提供者制定策略。
