DEMOGRAPHICS, SOCIAL POSITION, DENTAL STATUS AND ORAL HEALTHRELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Maria
Augusta Bessa Rebelo; Evangeline Maria Cardoso; Peter G. Robinson; Mario Vianna
Vettore.
Quality of Life Research,
24(12): 1-8. 2015.
Abstract: Purpose
To identify demographic, socioeconomic and dental clinical predictors of oral
health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in elderly people. Methods
Cross-sectional study involving 613 elderly people aged 65–74 years in Manaus,
Brazil. Interviews and oral examinations were carried out to collect
demographic characteristics (age and sex) and socioeconomic data (income and
education), dental clinical measures (DMFT, need of upper and lower dentures)
and OHRQoL (GOHAI questionnaire). Structural equation modelling was used to
estimate direct and indirect pathways between the variables. Results Being
older predicted lower schooling but higher income. Higher income was linked to
better dental status, which was linked to better OHRQoL. There were also
indirect pathways. Age and education were linked to OHRQoL, mediated by clinical
dental status. Income was associated with dental clinical status via education,
and income predicted OHRQoL via education and clinical measures. Conclusion Our
findings elucidate the complex pathways between individual, environmental
factors and clinical factors that may determine OHRQoL and support the
application of public health approaches to improve oral health in older people. LEIA O ARTIGO.
