Factors influencing the regularity of tooth brushing before bedtime behavior of the elderly in Huaiyod district Trang province.

Abstract

This cross sectional analytical study was aimed to assess factors influencing the regularity of bedtime tooth brushing in the elderly, Huaiyod District ,Trang Province. Sampling with probability proportional to size (PPS) for each setting and systematic random sampling was applied for data collection during October 2011- April 2012. Data collection method was employed through an interview with a structured-questionnaire that has an acceptable level of reliability. (Cronbach’s Alpha=0.7). Subsequently, the focus group discussion was implemented for the qualitative data.  Result : The age of 260 samples from 5 settings was range from 60-70 years with mean age of 65.8 years, 68.5% were female, 83.1% educated in primary school level, 67.3% married, 76.5% satisfied with their income and 50% lived in municipal areas. Most respondents (91.2%) reported that they brushed their teeth at least once a day and only 59.6% had a regular bedtime tooth brushing. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, only settlement types,  perception on the sufficiency of income and perception on importance of bedtime brushing influenced the regularity of bedtime brushing statistically significant (p<0.05). Thirty eight samples in focus group discussion with mean age of 67 years (16 males, 22 females) were divided into 4 groups being the regular (4 males, 13 females) and 4 irregular tooth brushing before bedtime groups. (12 males, 9 females) Regarding focus group discussion, it was shown that the main influential factors on regularity of bedtime tooth brushing were rooted from their experience since childhood, receiving information from oral health personnel, teachers and their families. In addition, the informants expressed about their beliefs in benefits of bedtime tooth brushing as well as, concerns about good breath and their different perspectives towards oral health problems.