Abstract
Background: The ratio of elderly is rising faster than that of any other age group. The mutual relation between oral health and general health is specially stated among older people. Poor oral health affects negatively the quality of life among elderly. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational program on quality of life among elderly regarding oral health. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-and-posttest design was utilized in the geriatric social club in Zagazig City. A purposive sample of 75 elderly subjects who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. Five tools were used as follow: Tool I: A structured interview questionnaire to assess elderly's demographic characteristics, Tool II: Elderly oral health knowledge structured interview questionnaire, Tool III: Elderly oral self-care practices questionnaire and checklist, Tool IV: The Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) For Non –Dental Professional, and Tool V: Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) Short Version. Results: It revealed that the participants ' age ranged between 60 and 82 years, with mean 69.25 ± 7.53 years, with more women. Also, the results showed post-program statistically significant improvements in oral health knowledge, oral self-care practices, oral health assessment, and OHRQoL scores (p < 0.001). The follow-up phase showed some decline in improvement but still significantly higher compared to the pre-program levels (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The oral health educational program is effective in improving the elderly's quality of life. 1. Introduction Ageing is a natural process that is a biological fact and largely beyond human control. According to the world health organization (WHO), the worldwide populace is expanding at the yearly rate of 1.7%, while the population of those over 65 years is increasing at a rate of 2.5% [1]. This demographic change produces heavy challenges to health authorities and socıal planners due to the fast rate burden of chronic diseases including oral diseases among the elderly [2]. The Canadian Dental Association defines oral health as a state of the mouth and related tissues and structures that positively affects physical, mental and social well-being and enjoyment of life's possibilities by allowing the individual to speak, eat and socialize without pain, discomfort or confusion [3]. Dental health of older adults is a basic need that is
Recommended Citation
Shokrya AE, Adel MR, Amany Rashad A. Educational program to improve quality of life among elderly regarding oral health. Future Dental Journal. 2020; 4(2):211-215.