ABSTRACT
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to compare the oral health status and its effect on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of hospitalized and nonhospitalized elderly patients in a single community. The null hypothesis for the study states that there is no difference in the oral health status and OHRQoL between hospitalized and nonhospitalized elderly patients.
Materials and methods
This study was conducted at the King Khalid Hospital and College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 99 (43 – hospitalized and 56 – nonhospitalized) geriatric patients participated in this study. Oral health-related quality of life was estimated using the geriatric oral health assessment index questionnaire. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and plaque index were used to assess the oral health status of the study participants.
Results
The mean age of the study participants was 68.2 years; 17.2% were females and 82.8% were males. There was no significant difference between hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients in OHRQoL and DMFT index. However, the oral hygiene status was better among nonhospitalized patients as compared with hospitalized patients.
Conclusion
There was a significant difference in the oral hygiene status between hospitalized and nonhospitalized geriatric patients.
Clinical significance
Caregivers must be sensitized to the importance of oral health for the elderly population, and oral health should be considered an integral component of general health.
How to cite this article
AlBaker AM, AlBaqami FF, AlHarbi TM, AlAmri MD, Baskaradoss JK. Oral Health Status and Oral Healthrelated Quality of Life among Hospitalized and Nonhospitalized Geriatric Patients. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(3):228-233.
Perceptions and expectations of health-related quality of life among geriatric patients seeking emergency care: a qualitative study
