[Self-perceived oral health among elderly individuals in a medium-sized city in Northeast Brazil].
This study focused on self-perceived oral health of the elderly and associated variables. The sample consisted of 321 functionally independent individuals 60 years or older living in Parnaíba, Piauí State, Brazil. Oral examinations were performed and questionnaires were applied during home visits. The elderly presented poor oral health, with mean DMFT 29.41 (SD = 4.10). However, their self-perceived oral health was positive, with 52% showing high scores according to the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Multivariate analysis showed that predictors of self-perceived oral health included the need for upper prostheses, oral mucosal lesions, and self-rated oral health. The most important predictor was self-rated oral health, with a weight of 20% variation in self-perceived oral health. In conclusion, subjective measurement of oral health in the elderly is less associated with their actual clinical status and more with other subjective factors.
Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Brasil. lu_correia26@hotmail.com
Luciana Correia Aragão de
LC
Vasconcelos
Raimundo Rosendo
RR
Prado Júnior
João Batista Mendes
JB
Teles
Regina Ferraz
RF
Mendes
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D003778:Dentures; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors