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ISSN 2063-5346
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ORAL HEALTH AND SWALLOWING PROBLEMS AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE AT MENOFIA GOVERNORATE

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Amany Mohamed Saad , Zainab Sabry Meligy Alater , Aliaa Mohammed Elafandy
» doi: 10.31838/ecb/2023.12.s1-B.175

Abstract

Background: Population aging is a great challenge for the health care systems in Egypt and oral health is complex and multifaceted, oral diseases are age related, it affects elderly systemic health. Aim: To assess oral health and swallowing problems among elderly people at Menofia Governorate. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was used. Sample: Purposive sample include 300 elderly. Setting: The present study was done in El-Ramad hospital and Menofia University hospital at Shibin El-Kom, Menofia Governorate. Tools: Two tools were used for data collection: I) A structured interview questionnaire include 4 parts (Demographic characteristics, Elderly history, World Health Organization Oral Health Interview Questionnaire for adult, Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire). II) Oral Health Assessment Tool for Non-Dental Professionals. Results: The study showed that, in relation to oral health status 47.6% of elderly people have ≥ 20 natural teeth, during the past 12 months 51.7% of them were suffering from teeth or mouth pain or discomfort, 59.0% of the elderly people had minor swallowing problems, 34.3% of them had moderate swallowing problems, while, 6.7% of them had severe swallowing problems, 86.3% of studied elderly had healthy oral health status, while only 5.7% had unhealthy oral health status. Conclusion: Significant relation between elderly people demographic characteristics and their oral health as in educational level, marital status and monthly income, also their swallowing problems and demographic characteristics as in gender, education, occupation and marital status except in age, living with and income. Recommendation: An Educational Program on Oral Health and Swallowing problems among Elderly People on large sector and other settings.

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