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ORAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE AT ASSIUT CITY

Research Authors
Publisher: Hanaa M. Ibrahim , Hoda D. Fahmy and Asmaa G. Mohamed
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Al-Azhar Assiut Medical Journal , :-
Research Vol
Vol. 8, N. 2,
Research Year
2010
Research Abstract

 

This study aimed to: assess the oral health status and identify the incidence of oral problems among elderly people in Assiut city. The study was conducted at dental and medical clinics as( diabetic, cardiology and medical out patient clinics) at Assiut University Hospital, Central Health Insurance Clinic, and General Assiut hospital ''El Shamlah'' in Assiut city. The total number of the study subjects was 500 elders aged 60+ years. Two tools were used to collect the data needed for the study. The first tool was structured interview sheet, it consisted of two parts, the first one was concerned with personal and socio-demographic characteristics of the study sample. The second part covered the elderly medical history, oro-dental complains, smoking habits and life style pattern related to oral health status as oral and denture hygiene practices and oral follow- up pattern. The second tool was the Chalmers Brief Oral Health Assessment Tool (2005). Data was collected during the period from the first of October 2008 to the end of March 2009. Results of the present study revealed that 89.4% of the studied elders aged 60-↓75 years. Illiterate elders represented 69.8% of the studied sample. The result also illustrated that 88.4% had one or more oro-dental complain including dental pain, teeth loss, oral dryness, bleeding and swallowing problems. Moreover, a significant difference was found between educational level of the studied elders and oral hygienic care. The study recommended that: Community out reach oral health services should be implemented to identify high risk group of elderly and elder's awareness about the importance of periodic dental check up should be encouraged.