Relation between Oral Health Care for the Elderly and Their Quality of Life

Nassar, Sabah Fathey; Elkazeh, Entisar Abo Elghite Alhossiny; ElZeftawy, Amaal Mohamed; El-kest, Hend Reda Ali

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2023.319671

Relation between Oral Health Care for the Elderly and Their Quality of Life

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Nursing Specialist, Tanta University Hospital

² Professor, Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

³ professor, Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

⁴ Lecturer, Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

10.21608/tsnj.2023.319671

Abstract

Background: Oral health care has a significant effect on the quality of life (QoL) of elderly
wellbeing. The aim of present study: was to assess relation between oral health care of elderly
and their quality of life. Subjects and method: Design: This research used descriptive cross
sectional research design. Setting: It was conducted in Ali Ebn Abi Talib Health Insurance
Outpatient Clinics, Tanta city. Subjects: Convenience sample of 500 aged who attended the
previous settings were participate in this study. Tools of study: Two tools were used to collect
data Tool І: A structure interview schedule that consisted of three parts, Part (1): Socio
demographic characteristics, medical history, and lifestyle of elderly, Part (2): Knowledge of
aged person about oral health care and Part (3): Self-reported practices of elderly about oral
care. Tool II: Oral health related quality of life scale (OHRQoL). Results: Less than twothirds (62.4%) of studied participants had high levels of knowledge, more than half (58.2 %) of
the participants had unsatisfactory practices and the majority of them (84.8%) had poor levels of
quality of life regarding oral health. Conclusion: There was highly significant positive
correlation between total score of knowledge and practices of studies elderly, and total score of
quality of life at P < 0.01. Recommendations: present study recommended that, health
promotion instructions should be designed for improving the elderly's oral health practices and
oral health related quality of life.