Association between Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Elderly Patients and chronic medical disorders in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Keywords:
chronic diseases, elderly, Oral health perceptionAbstract
Background: Oral health of the elderly is an important component of general health and shares common risk factors. Poor oral health may signicantly inuence major chronic medical disorders, disability and quality of life in the elderly. The study sought to ascertain the knowledge of oral health and perceived impact of functional disability related systemic conditions among older adult patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on respondents aged 50 years and over attending General Practice Clinic, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, recruited by stratied sampling and surveyed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.
Results: A total of 392 respondents were included in the study period of which 157 (40.1%) were males and 235 (59.9%) females. The mean age of respondents was 61.9years (SD=6.8) Over half of the respondents (59%) had a chronic medical disorder with hypertension (31.4%) being the commonest. Also, disability (25.3%) was reported with visual impairment (17.1%) being the most common. Majority of the respondents (76.3%) had some knowledge of the dentist and dental caries (62.2%). On dental experiences (36.0%) had had tooth decay, gum bleeding (18.6%), dry mouth (45.2%), while with regards to practices they reported brushing daily (83.7%), previous dental visit (46%) and consumption of alcohol (18.4%). Furthermore 40.8%had knowledge that tobacco use could
predispose to halitosis, periodontal diseases (24.5%) cancer (40.8%) respectively. There was no significant relationship between chronic medical conditions and habits except in their knowledge of annual routine check-up.
Conclusions: The study demonstrated good oral health knowledge, attitudes and dental practices with low consumption of alcohol and tobacco among elderly patients. There is however for continuous health education, health promotion and surveillance. Dental professionals and policymakers need to pay greater attention to oral health associated chronic medical conditions.
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