Factors related to behaviors preventing periodontal diseases among elderly, Nam Nao district Phetchabun Province

Abstract

          This study was a cross-sectional analytical study to describe the factors related to behaviors to prevent periodontal diseases among elderly. The samples were 130 elderly who lived in Nam Nao district, Phetchabun Province. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The statistical methods used in this study included descriptive statistics such as the average, percentages, means and standard deviation. To determine the relationships between factors and risk behaviors for periodontal disease of the elderly, Chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions were employed.

          The study found that the elderly career was related with the risk of periodontal disease (p-value <0.05 OR = 2.69 95% CI 1.20 to 6.14). The knowledge about the risk of periodontal disease was associated with a perceived risk of disease (p-value <0.05 OR = 3.94 95% CI 12.80 to 14.39).  Having skills of tooth brushing, dental office close to home, sufficient time for self-examination, having time to visit the dentist and having enough time to brush teeth were enabling factor that related statistically to behaviors preventing periodontal diseases (p-value <0.05). Having the member of the family providing advice on dental health care, regular having advice from dental personnel and enough support of dental tooth brush as well as accompanying to visit dentists by the family statistically associated with the perception of the risk of periodontal disease (p-value <0.05). The condition of periodontal disease of the elderly using periodontal record index and the mobility of the teeth statistically related to behaviors to prevent periodontal diseases among elderly.