256213 Impact of mental health on self-perceived oral health needs

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 3:10 PM - 3:30 PM

Roger Boothroyd, PhD , Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Annie Ware, BS , Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Oral diseases are progressive, cumulative, and become increasingly complex over time. They affect peoples' ability to eat, how they look, and compromise their ability to work (DHHS, 2000). Evidence suggests individuals with mental illnesses are more vulnerable to oral health problems (Armstrong, 1994; Stiefel et al., 1990). This study examined the prevalence of oral health needs among Medicaid-enrolled adults to identify whether the presence of mental illness is predictive of greater self-reported oral health needs. A secondary analysis was conducted of 1,721 respondents to the Florida Health Services Survey between 2000 and 2005. Bivariate results indicated that respondents with mental health needs did not differ significantly in their reported oral health needs (53%) compared to respondents without mental health needs (49%). Results from a logistic regression suggested that when demographic factors were controlled, substance abuse problems and functional needs increased the likelihood of reported oral health needs. In contrast, receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) decreased reported oral health needs. Examination of the odds ratios indicated that respondents with functional needs were 2.63 times more likely to report oral health needs while those with substance abuse problems were 2.06 times more likely. Respondents receiving SSI were 38% less likely to report dental needs. Although the results of this analysis suggested that mental health needs were not associated with increased oral health needs, the high prevalence of unmet dental needs (i.e., need but not received, 23%) suggests a significant gap exists in the accessibility of oral health services for this population.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe the impact of mental illnees on the self-reported oral health needs of Medicaid enrollees.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been conducting mental health services research for the past 25 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.