[A preliminary study on the construction and application of the common prosperity model for the oral health of the elderly in economic acceleration zone].

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate preliminary application effects of a provincial-county-township-village four-level network framework which aims at promoting oral health of the elderly, and to conduct preliminary evaluations of the application of this model in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases among the elderly in economically accelerated areas. Methods: Based on the population survey in June 2022, the study focuses on the elderly (≥85 years old) veterans who fought in the Korean War and currently resided in Wuyi County, an old revolutionary base area in Zhejiang Province with accelerated economic development. A four-level network medical service model matrix was constructed, spanning from the provincial level to the county, township, and village. Digital oral health records were established, and in-home dental treatment was provided for elderly individuals who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre-treatment and 3-months follow-up visits were conducted, and the impact of oral health was recorded using a scale, along with a survey of denture satisfaction. Results: A total of 54 elderly individuals received the geriatric oral healthcare services. After a 3-months follow-up, the mean total score of the oral health impact profile-14 questionnaires was (3.27±3.00), which was significantly lower than the score (32.82±7.15) in pre-treatment ones (Z=-2.94, P=0.003). Scores in dimensions such as physical pain, functional limitations, psychological discomfort, psychological disorders, and physical disorders were all significantly lower than the pre-treatment scores (P<0.05). The visual analogue score for denture satisfaction was 48.64±1.21, indicating a satisfaction rate of 100% (11/11). Conclusions: These findings confirm the favorable preliminary application effects of the four-level network framework in improving the prevention and treatment of oral diseases among the elderly in economically accelerated areas.