An Investigation Of The Elders' Periodontal Health Status And Its Impact On Oral Health-related Quality Of Life In Fujian Province

Objective To describe periodontal health condition of elderly people in Fujian Province. To discusss some risk factors related to loss of attachment (LOA) from epidemiological direction,and to determine whether an association existed between periodontal health status and oral health-related quality of life(OHQOL) .In order to provide scientific evidence for decision-making for prevention of periodontal disease, and for improvement of oral health-related quality of life in elderly people.Methods A representative sample was selected using a multi-stage,probability,cluster sampling strategy and included 792 subjects 65～74 years of age.A full-mouth clinical examination was carried out,including gingival bleeding,periodontal pocket depth(PPD) and LOA. All dentulous subjects completed a questionnaire about social demography characters,ways of life or habits,dental demanding,economic position of family and oral hygiene habits. By the Chi-square test, one-sample t-test,relative to an identical unit (Ridit) analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis,the results were obtained. Oral health-related quality of life was measured by Chinese version of General Oral Health Assessment Index(GOHAI),and the impact of periodontal health status on OHQOL was assessed using principal components analysis and multiple linear regression.Results 1. The prevalence of gingival bleeding and dental calculus were 87.82% and 94.18%,respectively.The prevalence of periodontal pocket and deep periodontal pocket were 64.95% and 16.78%,respectively.And the prevalence of LOA≥4mm,≥6mm,≥9mm and≥12mm were 85.79%,58.59%,22.32% and 7.71%,respectively. Severity of PPD and LOA were higher in males than in females.2. Multinomial logistic regression analysis demonstrated that male elders had higher risk for LOA≥6mm than female,and urban elderly people were found to be more likely to suffer from LOA4～5mm or≥6mm than rural elderly people.Smoking was associated with LOA in this population.The longer subjects had smoked,a higher risk for LOA4～5mm or≥6mm.The subjects,who had smoked 11～20 Cigarettes every day,had higher risk for LOA4～5mm than non-smokers(OR=1.26) .The subjects, who had smoked >20 Cigarettes every day,had higher risk for LOA4～5mm or≥6mm than non-smokers.The subjects,who had drank,had higher risk for LOA≥6mm than non-drinker.3. About 39% subjects hardly ever or never could bite or chew in the past year. About 26% subjects very often or fairly often have to limit food intake in the past year.4. Principal components analysis and multiple linear regression showed:the subjects,who had more missing teeth and teeth that suffered from gingival bleeding,calculus,deep periodontal pocket and LOA6～8mm,9～11mm,≥12mm,had poorer oral health-related quality of life.Conclusion Periodontal health status in elders was not so good and was associated with OHRQOL.We must strengthen the prevention of periodontal diseases in elders.Corresponding health policies should be formulated to improve elders'oral health-related quality of life.