The social gradient in oral health in Greek older adults

Method: The study population (n=92) comprised individuals visiting day centers for older adults in Greece, called KAPI in Kallithea and Psychiko area, in Attica. Clinical examination for caries, tooth loss, DMF, gingival and periodontal index, plaque index, according to WHO criteria and methods, was performed to all participants prior to the interview questionnaire by a trained self-calibrated examiner. All safety measures were adopted. The participants participated on a fully voluntary basis. The study as part of the main study received ethical approval. The questionnaire coverage included demographics, income and pensions, education, social participation, social networks, psychological factors, cognitive function, OIDP, self-rated general and oral health and self-reported social status and dietary habits.

Results: Participants in the study were 40 men (43, 5%) and 53 women (56, 5%) of which 55% had less than 8 years of education. The majority of the participants 66 (71, 7%) reported that they have retired and received pension from own work. Personal income is less than 600 euro per month for 55 participants (59, 8%). The percentage of edentulism was 39%. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v.17.0 (sig <0, 05) and there was an educational gradient in DMF, OIDP, perceived social status, perceived oral health and perceived general health.

Conclusions: The results of the pilot study revealed the social gradient in general and oral health of older people in Greece. Education and cognitive function partly explains the gradient in this population.