Impact of oral health status on oral health-related quality of life among institutionalized elders in El-Gharbia governorate

Abstract Background Aging process may directly or indirectly increase the risk of developing diseases. It may develop a large number of pathological and/or physiological changes that could influence dental treatments. In Egypt number of social welfare institutions for elderly people has increased. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the impact of oral health status on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), among institutionalized elders in El-Gharbia governorate. Patients and methods The brief oral health status examination (BOHSE) was used to assess oral health of the institutionalized elders. OHRQoL of the elders was evaluated using geriatric oral health assessment index (GOHAI). The GOHAI comprises 12 items reflecting three hypothesized domains of the impact of oral disease: physical function: eating, swallowing, biting, and chewing, Psychological function: satisfaction with appearance, worries, or concern about oral health and inhibition of social contacts as a result of such concerns and pain and discomfort: eating sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets. Results Regarding sex, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between GOHAI scores and BOHSE scores among elder females (r=−0.267, P = 0.004). Similarly, a statistical significant negative correlation was detected between GOHAI scores and BOHSE scores among elders above 70 years of age (r=−0.371, P = 0.002). Moreover, elders residing in private institutions displayed a statistically significant negative correlation between geriatric oral health assessment scores index and BOHSE scores (r=−0.252, P = 0.037). Conclusion The burden of oral conditions among residents in long-term care facilities was considerable, in El-Gharbia Governorate, the highest proportion of oral health problems among the institutionalized elders were oral cleanliness and gum problems with low OHRQoL reported. Strategies targeting care providers including educational and preventive measures are needed.