Association between Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and oral health among older Saudi adults

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the association between Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and oral health among older Saudi adults. Method: This cross-sectional investigation was carried out in Medina, Saudi Arabia, encompassing 362 individuals aged 60 years or older. The study's ethical conduct (HR-18/19-8791) was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of King's College London and both organisations granted authorization. Additionally, the Research Ethics Committee of Taibah University, College of Dentistry (TUCDREC/20190129/FHakeem) also offered approval. The participants were selected from outpatient clinics at Taibah University Dental College and social centres associated with the Ministry of Social Affairs. Participants were physically independent and provided informed consent. The data were obtained by conducting clinical oral examinations and administering structured questionnaires that encompassed sociodemographic characteristics, general health, oral health behaviours, and ADLs. The primary independent variable was the tooth count, determined by means of a clinical examination. Poisson regression models were utilised to conduct statistical analyses, aiming to investigate the associations between oral health and ADLs. Adjusting for sociodemographic and other covariates. Results: The study revealed significant associations between the number of teeth and the ability to perform ADLs. Older adults with a greater number of teeth demonstrated enhanced functional autonomy in ADLs. Both age and comorbidities were found to have a significant association with ADL performance. Specifically, older age and a higher number of comorbidities were associated with increased problems in performing ADLs. There is an association between socioeconomic characteristics, such as having a lower income and being divorced, and experiencing a higher level of impairment in ADLs. There was no association between gender, BMI, and ADLs after adjusting for other variables. Conclusion: The results emphasise the significance of maintaining proper oral hygiene in order to promote independence in ADLs in older individuals. Regular dental appointments and comprehensive healthcare that includes managing oral health are essential for improving the quality of life and performance of ADLs in this population. It is crucial for policymakers and healthcare professionals to provide a high priority to including oral health within the wider healthcare system for older individuals in order to support the process of ageing in a healthy manner and maintain their ability to function independently.