Self-perceived oral health in older adults treated at a center specialized in geriatrics: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract Objective To evaluate self-perception of oral health (SOH) and associated factors among elderly people treated at a center specialized in geriatrics in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil Methods This is an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study. Results A total of 277 elderly individuals participated in the study, the majority of whom were between 60 and 73 years old (52.7%), were female (78.0%) and literate (85.6%). The prevalence of negative ASB was 37.5% and the factors associated with worse ASB were: older age (PR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.05-2.88; p=0.033), lower level of oral health literacy (PR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.00-2.92; p=0.050), worse perception of general health status (PR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.12-1.41; p<0.001) and presence of sarcopenia (PR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.09-4.39; p=0.027). Conclusion The need for well-established integrated care coordination and preparation to meet the particular oral health demands of the elderly population is highlighted.