Abstract

DIAZ CARDENAS, Shyrley; ARRIETA VERGARA, Katherine  and  RAMOS MARTINEZ, Ketty. Impact of Oral Health on Quality of Life in Older Adults. Rev Clin Med Fam [online]. 2012, vol.5, n.1, pp.9-16. ISSN 2386-8201.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1699-695X2012000100003.

Objective: To relate oral health to quality of life in older adult patients at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Cartagena. Design: Cross sectional study. Location: Municipality of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Participants: 120 older adults selected from census of first quarter of 2011. Main Measures: Sociodemographic variables, family life, Geriatric Oral Health Index (GOHAI) and diagnosis of oral health. Data were analyzed using proportions, chi-square test for association between variables and odds ratios (OR). Results: Chi-square test revealed statistical significance between poor oral health and negative impact on quality of life, according to the GOHAI (p = 0.01). Problems of endodontic origin (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.4 to 8.4, p = 0.004), hypertension (OR: 4.44, CI 95%: 1.5 to12, p = 0.005) and living in households with more than 5 family members (OR: 3.38, 95%: 1.34 to 8.49, p = 0.009) all had negative impact on quality of life. In the logistic regression, these factors best explained the decreased quality of life associated with oral health (p = 0.0001, X² = 21.31). Conclusion: Endodontic problems compromise quality of life in older adults. A psychosocial approach to oral health is needed that includes other factors capable of jeopardizing well-being.

Keywords : Aged; Quality of Life; Oral Health.

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