Quality of Life in Edentulous Older Adults Attending the Metropolitan Health Center 2023

Abstract

Objective: To determine the quality of life in edentulous older adults who attend the Metropolitano Health Center in Tacna, Peru. Material and Methods: A descriptive research study with a quantitative approach, a crosssectional, and non-experimental design. The sample consisted of 100 older adults with partial and total edentulism, treated in 2023 and selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling, following informed consent. To identify the type of edentulism, an odontogram was used via a clinical examination with a direct observation technique, and the Geriatric Oral Health Index (GOHAI) questionnaire was applied to evaluate the quality of life. The Chi-square test was used for analysis. Results: Partial edentulism was found in 74% of participants and total edentulism in 26%. Of the
total edentulous older adults, 63% reported poor quality of life and 34% reported fair/regular quality of life. Among the dimensions evaluated, participants reported poor quality of life as follows: 63% in the physical dimension, 54% in the psychosocial dimension, and 45% in the pain and discomfort dimension. Conclusion: It is concluded that the majority of edentulous older adults who attend the Metropolitano Health Center in Tacna present a poor quality of life, with partial edentulism being the most prevalent type.