title: Assessment of Oral Health Related Quality of Life Among Completely Edentulous Patients in Western India by Using GOHAI.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Quality of life in elderly is a very sensitive issue. It is important to know if the dental problems, general health and dental treatment have an impact on the quality of life in elderly. The elderly population has a typical set of mind regarding their oral health. This study examines the trends in patients' behavioral patterns due to tooth loss, suggestive of some change in quality of life.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to identify and acknowledge the problems of completely edentulous patients and their relationship to the Quality of Life (QOL). Also, the study was aimed at exploring the changes in global self-rated general health between the pre and post-treatment scores.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a randomized controlled clinical trial study which is done to evaluate the problems in the elderly and quality of life as long as their oral health is concerned. It is conducted on a group of people representing the elderly population with complete edentulism.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty three patients with mean age 69.41 who needed dentures were investigated before and after 6 months of their treatment by administration of GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index) scale. Comparison between Pre & Post-treatment values of various scores were done with McNemar-Bowker Test. Quantitative data was represented using Mean ± SD and Median, IQR (Interquartile range). Analysis of Pre & Post-treatment quantitative data was done using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of the present study showed GOHAI scores increased from 28.90 + 7.28 to 42.19 + 7.60 (p=highly significant). There was a significant change in the quality of life in elderly after their prosthodontic rehabilitation, though the self rated general health did not show any significant improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is the responsibility of the entire dental fraternity to understand the needs of elderly associated to their oral health. It is important to evaluate and assess the psychological effects of tooth loss on their quality of life. A thorough investigation is necessary before and after the dental/prosthodontic care.
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Prosthodontics, SMBT Dental College & Hospital, Amrutnagar , Sangamner, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Rajani A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Dable
authors.forename: Girish S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Nazirkar
authors.forename: Shailendra B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Pradnya B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Wasnik
keywords: Elderly; Geriatric health; Oral health; Special care