Oral Impacts on Daily Performance in Older Tanzanians
Author Information
Author(s): Irene Kida, Anne Åstrøm, Gunhild Strand, Julius Masalu, George Tsakos
Primary Institution: Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway
Hypothesis
The study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of a Kiswahili version of the OIDP inventory in older Tanzanians and to evaluate the prevalence, intensity, and causes of oral impacts on daily performance.
Conclusion
The Kiswahili OIDP inventory had acceptable psychometric properties among non-institutionalized adults 50 years and above in Tanzania, with relatively common but not very severe impacts on their daily performances.
Supporting Evidence
- The Kiswahili version of the OIDP inventory preserved the overall concept of the original English version.
- Cronbach's alpha was 0.83 in urban and 0.90 in rural areas, indicating good internal consistency.
- The prevalence of oral impacts was 51.2% in urban and 62.1% in rural areas.
- Toothache and loose teeth were the most frequently reported causes of impacts.
- More than half of the participants with impacts reported very little, little, and moderate impact intensity.
Takeaway
This study looked at how oral health affects daily life for older people in Tanzania, finding that many have issues but they aren't usually very severe.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a two-stage stratified cluster sample design, with interviews and clinical examinations of older adults in urban and rural Tanzania.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the reliance on self-reported measures and the exclusion of certain populations based on health conditions.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias, and the OIDP inventory used a longer recall period of six months.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults aged 50 years and above, with a mean age of 62.9 years, including both urban and rural residents.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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