The impacts of oral health-related quality of life of elderly people living at home: a cross-sectional study

Cien Saude Colet. 2021 May;26(5):1899-1910. doi: 10.1590/1413-81232021265.11962019.

Abstract

The scope was to verify the impact of oral and sociodemographic conditions, the dental treatment needs and dental pain, on the quality of life of the elderly. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 primary health care areas. A backward multivariate linear regression model was used (p<0.05) with oral health related-quality of life as dependent variable. There were 335 elderly people with predominance of women (56.72%) and aged up to 74 years (59.40%). Those who had up to 8 years of education predominated (87.46%), and those who were still working were the minority (13.43%). Multivariate linear regression (p<0.05) showed association with missing teeth (β=0,12; IC 0,00:0,04; p<0,04) and dental prosthesis needs (β=0,14; IC 0,13:0,81; p<0,01), women (β=0,18; IC 0,23:0,85; p<0,01), less aged (β=-0,12; IC -0,05:0,00; p<0,02), not working (β=-0,15; IC -1,09:-0,20; p<0,01), with dental care need (β=0,24; IC 0,25:0,63; p<0,01) and dental pain (β=0,14; IC 0,10:0,64; p<0,01). Missing teeth, sociodemographic conditions, dental treatment needs and dental pain might impact oral health-related quality of life of elders.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Oral Health
  • Quality of Life*
  • Tooth Loss*