Chronic disabling diseases are often accompanied by oral health conditions that may contribute to the overall health and quality of life of those affected. In the elderly population little is known about how oral health conditions affect quality of life. The purpose of this study is to compare dimensions of oral health related quality of life in older adults in elderly patients with chronic disabling diseases. The study also assesses if a relationship exists between dimension scores and socioeconomic indicators. The study compares Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites in a 10 county region in Western New York and an 8 county region in West Virginia and Ohio. Social impact categories from the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questions were used to measure dimensions of oral health related quality of life. The dimensions included functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, and handicap. Mean scores for each social impact dimension are compared between racial groups using the ANOVA. The data were analyzed. Correlation between socioeconomic factors and OHIP scores were calculated. The results of the study provide insight into the inter-relatedness of disease prevalence, access to care, quality of life, and race/ethnicity.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Minorities, Quality of Life
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.