PSYCHOSOCIAL, PHYSICAL AND PAIN ASPECTS RELATED TO ORAL HEALTH IN INSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERLY IN BRAZIL
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study based on a census of institutionalized elderly in Brazil. A total of 1192 individuals, living in 36 long-stay institutions for the elderly (LSIE) distributed into 11 municipalities were evaluated. Of these, 587 (49.2%) responded to the GOHAI. A questionnaire containing subjective and oral health behavior questions was applied and an epidemiological survey conducted, in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Chi-square and multiple logistical regression tests were carried out.
RESULTS: Mean age was 74.98 (+ 9.5). Of these, 51.4% (302) were male and 152 (25.9%) exhibited some dependence. Mean DMFT was 28.8 (+ 5.5) and 54.5% (320) of the elderly were edentulous. It was found that 54.2% (318) and 74.1% (435) did not use upper or lower denture, respectively. CPI and PAL showed that 64.4% (378) presented with all sextants excluded and the most significant values for periodontal infirmity indicated 18.6% (109) had calculus and 10.1% (59) attachment loss of 4 to 5 mm. With regard to the psychosocial dimension, multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the variables absence and need for upper prosthesis remained significant. Variables for the physical dimension were presence of dental problems and CPI of 6mm or more, while in the pain or discomfort dimension, it was opinion of teeth, gums or prosthesis.
CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial, physical and pain dimensions of GOHAI showed correlations with variables expressing these dimensions, primarily with regard to objective oral health conditions.