A Study on the Oral Health and Oral Health Related Quality of Life of Stroke Patients in a Rehabilitation Ward: A Pilot Study / 치위생과학회지

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine the geriatric status, oral health, and oral health related quality of life of stroke patients hospitalized at a rehabilitatio ward and assess the relationships among these factors. A total of 78 stroke patients participated in this cross-sectional study. The following oral examinations were performed by a dentist and dental hygienist Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth, gingival, debris, calculus, and community periodontal index (CPI). The patients' sociodemographic and geriatric status were evaluated using the Barthel index and a mini-mental state examine (MMSE) according to their medical record and a questionnaire survey. Oral health related quality of life was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaire. Except for three participants, most stroke patients had a gingival index of 2 or more, which means probing results in bleeding gums. Additionally, 53.8% of participants had a CPI code of 3 or 4, which indicates a probing depth of 4 mm or more. CPI index was significantly related to debris, calculus, and gingival index. The OHIP-14 score significantly related to the Barthel index and MMSE (p<0.05). The oral health of stroke patients in the rehabilitation ward was relatively poor and related to poor oral hygiene. Oral health related quality of life was related not to oral health but to geriatric status significantly.