Oralhealth and Quality of Life of Aged Tribals in Southindia

Oralhealth and Quality of Life of Aged Tribals in Southindia

Objectives: Very little is known about the oral health status of hard to reach communities in the developing world. This research report on the oral health conditions and quality of life of forest dwelling tribes in Wynad, Kerala.

Methods: Data was collected on oral health and quality of life in 68 older people in a door to door survey conducted in a tribal colony in Wynad district of Kerala State, India. Participants non-invasively examined in natural light and interviewed about oral habits and quality of life. Oral conditions were noted as present or absent. Quality of life was measured by a single question on a 10 point scale.

Results: Chewing betel nut and tobacco was ubiquitous. The most prevalent oral health condition was precancerous lesions of the oral mucosa. Commonest hard tissue condition was attrition. The participants judged their quality of life in the middle of the scale.

Conclusions: Major oral health problem was deleterious oral habits and their consequences, highlighting the need for education in this population.