IADR Abstract Archives
Oral Health Education For Independent Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Objectives: This study aims to systematically review and analyze the existing literature to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health education (OHE) interventions for independent older adults.
Methods: Randomized controlled trials involving independent older adults were included in this review. The databases searched were PubMed and the Cochrane Library, and articles published in English between 1976 and 2023 were considered. The outcomes assessed included plaque index, gingivitis, denture hygiene, unstimulated saliva flow rate (USFR), subjective oral dryness, oral health-related knowledge (OHK), and oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL). The risk of bias was evaluated following the Cochrane Handbook, and a meta-analysis was conducted using fixed- and random-effects models.
Results: A total of 1,113 articles were identified, and after evaluating 32 full texts, eight studies were included in qualitative synthesis, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The studies employed various delivery approaches for oral health education including lectures, demonstrations, motivational interviews, re-motivation, and mobile applications. Overall, oral health education significantly improved the oral health status of independent older adults, as evidenced by reductions in plaque and gingivitis, improved denture cleanliness, increased OHK, and enhanced OHQoL. However, no significant effects were observed for subjective oral dryness and USFR.
Conclusions: Oral health education effectively enhances the oral health status, OHK, and OHQoL of independent older adults, although its impact on subjective oral dryness and USFR remains inconclusive. The effectiveness of OHE may vary depending on the specific educational methods employed. Further research comparing the effectiveness of different delivery approaches is recommended.
Methods: Randomized controlled trials involving independent older adults were included in this review. The databases searched were PubMed and the Cochrane Library, and articles published in English between 1976 and 2023 were considered. The outcomes assessed included plaque index, gingivitis, denture hygiene, unstimulated saliva flow rate (USFR), subjective oral dryness, oral health-related knowledge (OHK), and oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL). The risk of bias was evaluated following the Cochrane Handbook, and a meta-analysis was conducted using fixed- and random-effects models.
Results: A total of 1,113 articles were identified, and after evaluating 32 full texts, eight studies were included in qualitative synthesis, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The studies employed various delivery approaches for oral health education including lectures, demonstrations, motivational interviews, re-motivation, and mobile applications. Overall, oral health education significantly improved the oral health status of independent older adults, as evidenced by reductions in plaque and gingivitis, improved denture cleanliness, increased OHK, and enhanced OHQoL. However, no significant effects were observed for subjective oral dryness and USFR.
Conclusions: Oral health education effectively enhances the oral health status, OHK, and OHQoL of independent older adults, although its impact on subjective oral dryness and USFR remains inconclusive. The effectiveness of OHE may vary depending on the specific educational methods employed. Further research comparing the effectiveness of different delivery approaches is recommended.