Assessment of oral health status, treatment Needs and oral health-related quality of life Among geriatric patients attending tertiary Dental care centers in belagavi city: a Hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Maintaining optimal health presents substantial challenges due to the global demographic trend of an aging population, especially in India, where almost 104 million old persons suffer from health complications. Elderly people frequently feel vulnerable and dependent due to a combination of oral health problems and geriatric symptoms like weakness and cognitive decline. Elderly people frequently neglect their dental health, which exacerbates diseases like periodontal disease and tooth loss despite the vital role that oral health plays in general wellbeing. Given this, the study intends to fill a significant research vacuum by assessing the oral health status, treatment needs, and quality of life related to oral health among older patients in Belagavi City. This would enable more focused and efficient healthcare treatments. Methodology: The hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in Belagavi City, Karnataka, aimed to evaluate oral health status, treatment needs, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among geriatric patients attending tertiary dental care centers using convenience sampling. The examination schedule was organized and conducted between January and July 2023 in dental clinic settings. A clinical examination was conducted to record the WHO 2013 Proforma. An interview was taken to record the questionnaire for OHRQoL. A single examiner underwent training and calibration to minimize variability, with intra-examiner reliability confirmed. Recording clerks were trained, and meticulous record-keeping was maintained. Instruments and supplies were stocked appropriately, and infection control protocols were followed diligently. Sample size estimation yielded a final sample size of 1300. Informed consent was obtained from each participant, and assessment forms including the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were utilized.