GOHAI instituzionalized elderly
Description
The dataset was used in a cross-sectional study aimed to assess the Oral Health status and the impact on quality on life among the institutionalized elderly in Southern Italy and to analyzed the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). From July 2018 to June 2019, a face to face interview was conducted with institutionalized elderly of 10 long-term care facilities randomly selected from a public available frame of all facilities accredited by Regional Health System in Southern Italy. The questionnaire covered a broad range of issues related to sociodemographic characteristics of the participants (gender, age, marital status, education level, residential area and previous occupation), smoking habits, health status (chronic disease), dental attendance and oral hygiene behavior. It was retrieved from patient medical records eventual cognitive impairments evaluated by clinical using tests of cognitive function such as Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). Participants were also questioned about their feelings about their need for dental treatment. The dental health status was assessed recording the decayed, missing or filled dental elements due to carious lesions (DMFT) index, the presence of visible plaque (PI) index and gingival condition (GI) index and the use of any prosthesis. The influence of dental health status self-perceived value of life was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Multivariate analyses were conducted using stepwise multivariate logistic regression modelling techniques to investigate the following outcomes: GOHAI about self-perceived need of dental care, GOHAI abut the use of a prosthesis and about DMFT index. To assess QHRQoL, the participants were asked to respond to 12 different statements of GOHAI. The GOHAI score was calculated by summing the scores to each statement. The total score ranged from 12 to 60. It was divided into three categories: good (57-60), fair (51-56) and poor (less than 50) rating of oral health, indicating, respectively, good, moderate and very compromised QHRQoL. The response rate was 84.5%. In the sample, 18.4% reported frequent tooth-brushing and 39.9% reported the need of dental care. Less than a third of the participants had a GOHAI score 50 that is suggestive of very compromised Oral Health Related Quality of Life. The DMFT index was 26.4. The GOHAI score was significantly better for elderly individuals who no self-perceived need of dental care, who use a removable complete denture and with lower DMFT index. The findings of this study highlighted the burden of oral condition of long-term facility residents, the high impact of its on their OHRQoL and the need to improve oral health in this context by enhancing multidisciplinary approach.