Oral health status and oral health-related quality of life in indonesian elderly (analysis using the indonesian version of the oral health assessment tool and the geriatric oral health assessment index)

Alterations of oral tissue due to aging may affect one's oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). In Indonesia, many remote areas are inaccessible by dentists; therefore an assessment tool that can be used by health care professionals other than dentists and caregivers is required. The objective of this study was to analyze the validity and reliability of the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) translated into the Indonesian language, analyze the association between the oral health status and OHRQoL of the elderly, and explore the important factors that contribute to OHRQoL. This was a cross-sectional study with 114 subjects between 60-70 years old. Socio demographic data were obtained and intraoral examinations and interviews for the OHRQoL questionnaire were conducted. A Kappa test result of OHAT showed substantial agreement and the Indonesian version of the GOHAI assessment tool was valid and reliable. Chi-square test results indicated that there was no significant relationship between oral health status and OHRQoL. However, a significant relationship was found between oral health status and sex (p = 0.026) and education (p = 0.015). A significant relationship was also found between OHRQoL and economic status (p = 0.01).