Factors affecting oral hygiene practices among elderly people aged 65 years and above living in Nabiteete village, Luweero district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background

Oral health is an important aspect of general health in the elderly and impacts the quality of life. The general purpose of the study was to determine the factors affecting oral hygiene practices among elderly people aged 65 years and above living in Nabiteete village, Luweero district.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study design was utilized a quantitative research method. A sample of elderly people was determined by random sampling, and data were collected using structured questionnaires of a sample comprising 40 elderly participants residing in the study area. Data were analyzed and presented in the form of tables, graphs, and pie charts.

Results

The secondary school level had the highest number of respondents, 16(40%), with the lowest number, 5(12.5%), of respondents in primary, and the highest number, 14(35%), of respondents were married; the majority lacked adequate oral hygiene knowledge. It highlighted that a significant portion, 70% of the older population, did not receive proper oral care guidance, leading to insufficient oral hygiene practices in later stages of life.  Furthermore, socio-economic factors like financial constraints were a significant barrier, with 72.5% of the respondents affected. Lastly, social and cultural factors posed another critical challenge, where 70% of participants reported poor oral hygiene due to the consumption of sugary foods.

Conclusion

The study concluded that enhancing oral hygiene knowledge from an early age and addressing economic and socio-cultural factors are crucial.

Recommendation

The MOH should increase collaboration efforts between dentists and caregivers to ensure elderly people receive optimal oral health, and a proper oral health needs assessment for the elderly people, among others.