The Relationship Between Elderly Knowledge and Oral Hygiene Maintenance at the Werdha Hargo Dedali Nursing Home, Surabaya

Older adults are at high risk of experiencing oral and dental health problems. Poor knowledge of oral health contributes significantly to the prevalence of these issues among the elderly. This study aims to examine the relationship between knowledge and oral hygiene maintenance among older adults at the Werdha Hargo Dedali Nursing Home, Surabaya. This research used a cross-sectional design involving 32 individuals who visited the Werdha Hargo Dedali Nursing Home in April 2024. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square test, which indicated poor overall conditions. The results show that the knowledge of older adults regarding oral and dental hygiene at the Werdha Hargo Dedali Nursing Home was mostly in the moderate category. The debris index for most elderly participants was classified as poor. The results of the chi-square test analysis also showed that the p-value of 0.029 was smaller than the specified significance level. The conclusion is that there is a relationship between knowledge and the maintenance of oral and dental hygiene among older adults at the Werdha Hargo Dedali Nursing Home in Surabaya.