Comparison of the integral oral health in hospitalized patients between users and non-users of the 60-year-old GES

Abstract

General objective: Compare indicators for integral oral health status between users and non-users of the Integral Oral Health program for 60-year-old adults (GES-60 years).

Material and methods: Cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Surveys were conducted at the Hospital Parroquial from San Bernardo, including patients 60 years old or older, between the years 2015 and 2019.

Outcome: A total of 944 were included surveys. Regarding the knowledge and use of the GES-60 years, 105 declared to know about it, and 60 declared to have used it (57%).

 In users, oral hygiene was higher and statistically significant (Proportion test; p=0.009).

The sample was divided into positive and negative oral health self-perception. Also in three variables: periodontal disease (PD), PD with tobacco consumption and PD with diabetes. Only the positive perception group showed differences regarding the three variables and the use of the GES-60 years. (Proportion test; p<0.0001).

In the DMFT index, there were only differences regarding the number of fillings and use of the GES-60 years (Mann Whitney test; p<0.0001), not in terms of the number of decayed teeth.

Benefit users received the superior prosthesis they needed.

Discussion: A small percentage of patients know and use the benefit. Users brush their teeth more, but perhaps poorly. The GES-60 years meets the rehabilitative aspect, since the number of fillings and the use of removable prostheses increased, but education didn´t have influence on periodontal disease or its risk factors.

Key words: Elderly, public health, dentistry