Correlations between Xerostomia, Oral Health Quality of Life and Knowledge about Water Intake among Community-dwelling Older Adults / 재활간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study is to verify the correlations between xerostomia, oral health quality of life, and knowledge about water intake among community-dwelling older adults and to suggest basic data for the development of oral health enhancement programs to improve the quality of life in the elderly. METHODS: A convenience sample of 112 elders was recruited in W city, Gangwon-do from July to August 2017. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficients with SPSS/WIN 23.0 Program. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 73 years old. As the score of knowledge about water intake was average 3 point (out of ten), the knowledge about physical symptoms in case of water deficiency was very insufficient. Xerostomia showed negative correlations with the oral health quality of life (r=−.379, p < .001) and knowledge about water intake (r=−.228, p < .016). CONCLUSION: For the relief of xerostomia having effects on the oral health quality of life in the elderly, it would be necessary to develop and apply oral health enhancement programs including the recommendation of water intake, and then to verify the effects.