Perception of Caregivers about Oral Health Services for Institutionalized Older Adults: A Mixed Method Study.

Ann Geriatr Med Res

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India.

Published: September 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • In India, the lack of formal training in geriatric dentistry and specific oral health policies for older adults contributes to poor oral health outcomes in this population.
  • A mixed-method study revealed that institutionalized older adults have a high mean DMFT score of 15.52, and many caregivers believe their oral health status is only fair, highlighting major barriers like lack of finance and knowledge.
  • Collaborating with dental schools and providing education and resources can improve oral healthcare services for older adults and enhance caregivers' understanding of oral health needs.

Article Abstract

Background: In India, the absence of formal training in geriatric dentistry and the lack of recognition of it as a speciality contributes to the deterioration of oral health in the older adults. India lacks specific oral healthcare policies for older adults. Additionally, caregivers' perspective in old age homes regarding oral healthcare services remains underexplored, necessitating further studies in this context.

Methods: A mixed method study was conducted, and the quantitative component focused on assessing the oral health status of institutionalized older adults and caregivers' perceptions using a questionnaire. The qualitative part evaluates caregivers' perceptions of providing oral healthcare services for older adults through in-depth interviews.

Results: Mean DMFT among institutionalized older adults was 15.52±8.23. More than 50% of caregivers perceived that the oral health status of institutionalized older adults was fair. Barriers to oral health services include autonomy, difficulty in traveling, lack of financial support, lack of knowledge and time. Approaches to enhancing oral health services for institutionalized older adults include oral health education for older adults and their caregivers, monthly dental visits to the institution, utilization of portable dental chair services, collaboration with dental colleges/dental clinics, distribution of oral health education materials, and provision of oral hygiene aids.

Conclusion: Findings from our study indicate the need to collaborate with dental institutions to provide oral health services in old age homes, to improve the oral health status of older adults and caregivers' knowledge.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11467519PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.4235/agmr.24.0068DOI Listing

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