Prevalência e caracterização de lesões de tecidos moles em idosos institucionalizados

Abstract

Introdution: Oral Health in institutionalized elderly individuals is often neglected, with oral mucosal lesions being a common occurrence. These are associated with factors such as continuous denture use, poor oral hygiene, polypharmacy and immunosenescence. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characterize soft tissue lesions of the oral cavity in institutionalized elderly population. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in a long-term care institution in Viseu, involving 51 residents. Data collection included a structured sociodemographic/clinical questionnaire and systematic intraoral examination. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 26.0 software, with significance level of p<0,05. Results: The mean age was 86,16±7,13 years, with a predominance of female participants (72,5%). The prevalence of soft tissue lesions was 49,0% with denture stomatitis (13 cases) and oral candidiasis (9 cases) being the most frequent. No statistically significant associations were found between lesion presence and variables such as gender, age, number of pathologies, number of medications, alcohol/tobacco use, oral hygiene habits. A trend toward a higher prevalence of stomatitis was identified in denture wearers who did not remove them while sleeping, although without statistical significance. Conclusion: The high prevalence of oral lesions in this vulnerable population justifies the implementation of systematic preventive measures, regular screenings, and continuous caregivers training, aiming for an integrated interdisciplinary approach to oral health promotion.

Date of Award	28 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Patrícia Couto (Supervisor) & Nélio Jorge Veiga (Co-Supervisor)