Factors associated with negative self-perception of oral health among elderly people in a Brazilian community.

Objective: Self-perception of oral health is an important measurement for assessing the health and quality of life of elderly people. The aim of this study was to analyse associations between negative self-perception of oral health and poor oral state, socio-demographic variables, depression and use of medications.

Method: In this cross-sectional study, elderly people aged 60 to 74 years living in the urban zone of a city in southern Brazil were interviewed and examined. Functionally dependent individuals were excluded. Self-perception was measured using the General Oral Health Assessment Index, and scores of 30 points or less were considered to represent negative perception. The physical, social and worry dimensions of this indicator were also analysed.

Results: Two hundred and sixty-seven elderly people (mean age 66.5 years, 59.9% female) were included in the study. Most of them had had little schooling. Negative self-perception was identified in 18.7%, although none of the poor oral state was associated with this variable. In multivariate analysis, negative self-perception was associated with female gender and depression. The women presented significantly lower means in the three dimensions analysed and individuals with depression, in the physical and social dimensions. Poor oral health (edentulism and absence of posterior occlusion) were associated with the physical dimension.

Conclusion: Negative self-perception of oral health was associated with gender and depression, but not with poor oral health. Therefore, gender and the presence of depression are factors to be taken into account in assessments involving this age group.