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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Dionne Johnson Richardson, DDS, MPH1, Mark E. Moss, DDS, PhD1, Ann Dozier, PhD2, Catherine Covert, MA3, and Nancy P. Chin, MPH, PhD3. (1) Eastman Department of Dentistry, University of Rochester, 625 Elmwood Ave, Box 683, Rochester, NY 14620, 585-273-5739, Dionne_Richardson@urmc.rochester.edu, (2) Division of Public Health Practice, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 324, Rochester, NY 14642, (3) Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue -- Box 324, Rochester, NY 14642
Assessing change in quality of life in the elderly population is essential to the well being of persons who experience both chronic illness and oral health problems. Using qualitative methods, this study sought to better understand the quality of life issues related to oral health function, pain, and disability. Methods: A total of 45 men and women participated in four focus groups. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 survey (Slade) provided the discussion framework. Based on the survey responses, the moderator probed for further details about the identified problem followed by a discussion on decreasing the impact of oral health problems. Results: For over half the categories, at least 30% of participants reported experiencing problems recently. The discussions illustrated that individuals with dental conditions such as dentures or missing teeth experience problems that contribute to both functional and psychosocial problems. Commonly emerging themes included the impact on their nutrition and food choices, the act of eating, and the social value of eating with others. Respondents commented, “ I would love to have more fresh fruit and vegetables”. “ I get embarrassed when I go out with a group and I can’t eat the meal”. Conclusion: In these groups, eating difficult foods and changing eating behavior to reduce the perceived negative social consequences have a negative effect on oral health related quality of life. Learning Objective: Participants should understand how focus groups could be used to assess oral health related quality of life in the elderly.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Oral Health, Quality of Life
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.