Oral health related quality of life and its related factors among the elderly population in Davanagere city: A cross sectional survey

Background: Identifying factors related to oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) helps to plan effective oral health programs among elderly population. Aim: The aim was to assess OHRQoL and factors related to it among elderly population in Davanagere city. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved a multistage stratified sample of 380 elderly population aged 60 years and above in Davanagere city. Data related to demographic details and general and oral health-related factors, nutritional status, and geriatric OHRQoL of study participants were recorded using a study pro forma, Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form Index, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), respectively. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA) was used for statistical analysis. The significant level was fixed at P < 0.05. Chi-square test, Pearson's and Spearman's correlation tests, and multiple linear regression analysis tests were applied for data analysis. Results: The participants had good OHRQoL (mean GOHAI = 40.66 ± 7.29). The GOHAI was significantly (P < 0.05) negatively correlated with age, systemic problems, number of missing teeth, source of income, and medications and was positively correlated with nutritional status, occupation, and pan chewing. Age, medical problems, missing teeth, nutritional status, and occupation were significant predictors of GOHAI. (F = 26.36, P < 0.00, r2 = 0.36, B [Constant] =48.65 [confidence interval 33.85–63.46]). Conclusion: Clinicians, public health workers, and policy makers can focus on significant predictors of GOHAI for planning community-based programs targeted at improving OHRQoL of elderly population.