Assessment of Oral Health Related Quality of Life Among the Institutionalised Elderly in Delhi, India.

Purpose: To assess the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older people residing in old-age homes in Delhi, India.

Materials And Methods: Oral health related quality of life was measured by using the Hindi version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) which was tested for its reliability and validity. Sociodemographic data were collected and questions regarding the self-perception of general health, oral health and perceived need for dental treatment were put forward. Clinical assessment was also performed.

Results: The mean additive-GOHAI score of the study population was found to be 41.57 ± 6.07. Statistically significant associations were found between GOHAI and perceived measures. GOHAI scores decreased with a decrease in the number of teeth present and a decrease in the number of teeth having coronal and root caries. Those subjects who were in need of multi-unit prostheses or full prostheses had significantly poorer OHRQoL compared to those without any prosthetic need or need of single-unit prostheses.

Conclusion: This study revealed the extent of dental problems in old-age home residents and may help to plan appropriate preventive measures.