Periodontal health of the geriatric population in old-age homes of Delhi, India

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Periodontal health of the geriatric population in old-age homes of Delhi, India
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Original source:

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Author:

Nisha Rani Yadav, Meena Jain, Ankur Sharma, Vishal Jain, Shilpi Singh, Arundeep Singh, Vamsi Krishna Reddy, Shourya Tandon


Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:

(A bimonthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Periodontal health of the geriatric population in old-age homes of Delhi, India

Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_193

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Periodontal disease significantly impacts the elderly, especially those living in old-age homes, leading to tooth loss and reduced quality of life. This study was conducted in Delhi's old-age homes, focusing on the periodontal health of individuals aged 65–74. The aim was to assess their periodontal status and recommend interventions for improved dental care. The research highlights the urgent need for effective prevention and control measures in this vulnerable population.

Periodontal Health Status in the Elderly

The findings reveal that only 25.4% of the elderly residents had a healthy periodontium, whereas a staggering 71.1% exhibited periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more, indicating severe periodontal disease. Additionally, 36.2% experienced loss of attachment (LOA) between 6–8 mm, and 34.7% had LOA of 9–11 mm. Gender comparisons indicated that while males had a greater proportion of severe pockets, the differences in Community Periodontal Index (CPI) scores by age group were not statistically significant. However, the LOA scores did show significant differences between genders, with males typically experiencing worse periodontal health than females. This alarming state of oral health underscores the broad scope of periodontal disease in institutionalized elderly individuals, exacerbated by factors such as limited access to dental care, financial constraints, and physical limitations.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the periodontal health of elderly individuals residing in old-age homes in Delhi is critically poor. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive oral health care that includes regular dental check-ups, appropriate treatments, and education on proper oral hygiene practices. Improving access to dental services and increasing awareness about maintaining oral health are essential steps to enhance the quality of life for this vulnerable demographic. As such, both governmental and non-governmental organizations must work collaboratively to address these pressing oral health issues in institutionalized settings.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the objective of the study on periodontal health?

The study aimed to assess the periodontal status of elderly individuals aged 65–74 residing in old-age homes in Delhi, and to recommend interventions to improve their periodontal health.

What were the main findings regarding periodontal health in the study?

Only 25.4% of the elderly had a healthy periodontium, while 71.1% had periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more, indicating very poor periodontal health among the study population.

What methods were used to assess periodontal health in participants?

The WHO oral health assessment form was utilized to determine periodontal health, recording the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and loss of attachment (LOA) in participants during the study.

What is the significance of the results of this study?

The findings highlight the urgent need for improved dental care services and preventive measures to enhance the periodontal health of institutionalized elderly individuals, who are often at risk for oral diseases.

How do the results of this study compare to other research?

The study found a higher prevalence of periodontal disease in institutionalized elderly compared to similar research, emphasizing the particular vulnerability of this population to oral health issues.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Periodontal health of the geriatric population in old-age homes of Delhi, India”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
The term 'Study' refers to the research conducted among the elderly residing in old-age homes in Delhi, aimed at assessing their periodontal health status. This investigation employs a cross-sectional design to evaluate the extent of periodontal disease and to identify potential interventions, providing valuable insights for future healthcare initiatives for the aging population.

2) Table:
In the context of the text, 'Table' signifies the structured data representation showcasing the demographic distribution and periodontal health of participants. This visual aids in efficiently conveying complex information, particularly the relationship between variables such as age, gender, and periodontal disease severity, thereby facilitating better understanding and analysis.

3) Delhi:
'Delhi' serves as the geographical focal point of the study, where the research was conducted in various old-age homes. Understanding the local context is crucial, as it impacts the oral health status of the elderly population, reflecting the influence of socioeconomic factors, healthcare accessibility, and urban living conditions on public health.

4) Disease:
'Disease' pertains to the periodontal conditions affecting the elderly participants in the study. Identifying and understanding the prevalence of periodontal disease is essential for developing targeted interventions, highlighting the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies to enhance oral health within vulnerable populations, thereby preventing adverse health outcomes.

5) Male:
The term 'Male' is significant in the study as it denotes one of the two gender categories analyzed in relation to periodontal health. The research findings indicate varying periodontal disease prevalence between males and females, underlining the importance of gender-specific health considerations when developing treatment strategies for older adults.

6) Hygiene (Hygienic):
'Hygiene' emphasizes the personal and communal practices that influence oral health among the elderly. Poor oral hygiene is identified as a contributing factor to the high prevalence of periodontal disease, highlighting the necessity for increased awareness and education to promote better hygiene practices in elderly populations, particularly in institutional settings.

7) Rules:
'Rules' imply the guidelines and protocols followed during the study to ensure standardized data collection. Adherence to established methodologies, such as the WHO oral health assessment form, enhances the reliability of results, ensuring that findings on periodontal health status are valid and can be effectively utilized to inform dental care practices.

8) Pur:
'Poor' describes the inadequate periodontal health found among the study participants. The text reveals alarming statistics illustrating that a high percentage of elderly individuals suffer from significant periodontal issues, thus emphasizing a critical public health concern that necessitates urgent interventions to improve access to dental care and education for the elderly.

9) Life:
'Life' in this context relates to the quality of life (QoL) of the elderly population affected by periodontal disease. Poor oral health can severely impact an individual's ability to eat, speak, and socialize, thus influencing their overall well-being and quality of life, stressing the interconnection between dental health and holistic elderly care.

10) Quality:
'Quality' particularly refers to the quality of life and oral health among the elderly participants. The research highlights a direct correlation between periodontal health and QoL, emphasizing how improved oral hygiene and access to dental care can enhance overall health outcomes and life satisfaction in the aging population.

11) India:
'India' positions the study within a national context, reflecting the unique challenges faced by the elderly in Indian society, such as limited access to healthcare, traditional practices influencing health behaviors, and institutional living conditions. This sociocultural backdrop is critical for understanding the specific needs of elderly populations in India.

12) Bleeding:
'Bleeding', as referenced in the periodontal assessment, indicates potential gum disease or infection among the elderly participants. Recognizing the severity of symptoms like bleeding gums can provide insight into the prevalence and stage of periodontal disease, serving to underline the importance of regular dental evaluations for early intervention.

13) Calculation:
'Calculation' refers to the statistical approaches used to determine sample size and assess data in the study. Employing accurate statistical methods, such as chi-square tests, ensures that analysis results are significant and reliable, allowing researchers to draw meaningful conclusions about the periodontal health of the older population in Delhi.

14) Discussion:
'Discussion' in the study pertains to the analytical section where findings are compared with existing literature. This segment interprets results, highlighting similarities and differences in periodontal health outcomes, thereby contextualizing the findings within broader research trends and aiding in the formulation of future public health strategies.

15) Education:
'Education' underscores the importance of oral health knowledge imparted to the elderly regarding proper hygiene practices. Providing educational resources and training about oral care can significantly enhance self-care among seniors, ultimately resulting in improved periodontal health outcomes and increased awareness of the significance of routine dental visits.

16) Training:
'Training' highlights the preparatory process for the examiners conducting the periodontal assessments according to standardized criteria. Ensuring that the examiners are calibrated promotes consistency in measurements and enhances the validity of the study findings, which is essential for accurately capturing the health status of the elderly population.

17) Lighting:
'Lighting' relates to the conditions under which the dental examinations were conducted during the study. Adequate natural lighting is crucial for accurately assessing oral health, as it enables examiners to effectively visualize periodontal conditions, thereby ensuring the reliability of the collected data and the validity of the study's outcomes.

18) Reason:
'Reason' relates to the rationale behind conducting the study, which aims to address the significant gap in data concerning the periodontal status of institutionalized elderly individuals. Understanding the underlying reasons for poor oral health among this vulnerable population is key to developing targeted interventions and improving overall dental care policies.

19) Kappa:
'Kappa' refers to the statistical measure used to evaluate the reliability of the periodontal assessment conducted by calibrated examiners. A kappa value greater than 0.84 indicates excellent inter-examiner agreement, ensuring that the interpretation of oral health data is consistent and enhancing the credibility of the study's findings.

20) Visit:
'Visit' emphasizes the act of elderly individuals attending dental appointments or check-ups as a significant factor in maintaining oral health. Regular dental visits are crucial for early detection and management of periodontal disease, underscoring the necessity for accessible dental services tailored to the unique needs of the aging population.

21) Cina:
'China' serves as a comparative reference in the text, highlighting similar studies conducted in different countries. By contrasting the periodontal health of elderly populations in China with those in Delhi, insights can be drawn about global trends in geriatric oral health, enriching the overall understanding and response to these health challenges.

22) Pose:
'Pose' in this context refers to the potential risks or challenges faced by the elderly regarding oral health. Specific health conditions, institutionalization, and psychiatric issues can pose significant barriers to maintaining proper oral hygiene, which in turn complicates the management and prevention of periodontal disease in this demographic.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Periodontal health of the geriatric population in old-age homes of Delhi, India’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Financial support, Quality of life, Psychological health, Old age home, Ethical Clearance, Statistically Significant, Demographic Data, Oral health, Periodontal disease, Periodontal health, Cross-sectional study, Dental care, Chi square test, Geriatric population, Tissue Destruction, Tooth loss, National survey, Functional limitation, Age-related susceptibility, Institutionalized elderly.

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