Improvement of oral health related quality of life among elderly persons in Nikomkhamsoi, Mukdahan

Abstract

          Objective: To study the quality of life in oral health dimension and affecting factors in the elderly group and to study the effectiveness of providing dental health education programs based on Health Belief Model that affect the quality of life.

          Materials and methods: The quasi-experimental study in a sample of 50 elderly people, age 60-74 years old in Nikomkhamsoi, Mukdahan Province. Oral health conditions were collected before study. The OIDP index was used to study the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and influencing factors. Data were collected again after applying the dental health education program base on Health Belief Model with using of media, small group activities and oral hygiene practice. The t-test and logistic regression analysis were applied at 5% significant level.

          Results: The prevalence of impact on quality of life in the dimension of oral health was 60%, the most common was eating (48 %), emotional aspect (22 %) respectively. The factors affecting the quality of life in the dimension of oral health was their income (OR=17.65). The elderly who participated in the program had significantly higher knowledge and attitudes scores (P<0.05). After participating the dental health education program, no differences were found in those who do not have or who have an impact on quality of life in the oral health dimension.

          Conclusion: Eating affects the quality of life in terms of oral health of the elderly. After receiving the dental health education program from applying the health belief model, it was found that knowledge and attitude scores increased. Therefore, the health education programs will probably change the behavioral in oral hygiene care to reduce tooth loss, which improves the quality of life in the dimension of oral health.