Oral health related quality of life in institutionalized elderly in Viseu

Background: Portugal has an increasingly aging population, due to the raise of average life expectancy and low birth rates. This situation constitutes a challenge for public health, particularly regarding oral health related quality of life. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of oral health on the quality of life of institutionalized elderly people in the district of Viseu, Portugal. Materials and methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was designed, composed of a population of elderly residents in nursing homes in the district of Viseu. Data collection was accomplished by an application of a questionnaire to assess sociodemographic and oral health aspects, the GOHAI index and the OHIP-14 index. Results: The sample consisted of 529 institutionalized elderly aged 65 years or older. As for gender, 69.4% (n=367) are women and 30.6% (n=162) men. According to the GOHAI index, a considerable number of participants (41.5%) have a “moderate” self-perception of oral health. Regarding the OHIP-14 index, it appears that the impact of oral health on quality of life is low, since the average of the global OHIP-14 was 15 (0-56). “Physical pain” was the most affected dimension (2.70), while the dimension with the least impact was “Social limitation” (1.52). Conclusion: in this research, oral health related quality of life was considered reasonable. However, there are participants in whom the impact of oral health in the quality of life is significant. Therefore, it is important to continue to develop strategies and join efforts to improve oral health and, consequently, the systemic health and quality of life of institutionalized elderly.