Title: Study to Assess Impact of Poor Oral Health on Nutrition and Quality of Life among Rural Elderly in North Carolina
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Section/SPIG: Epidemiology
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Poor oral health is a major health problem that most affects older adults, ethnic minorities, and persons in rural communities. North Carolina ranks among the states with the highest rates of oral health deficiencies. This condition may play a major role in influencing nutritional status and quality of life in these high-risk populations.
To better understand these issues, a team of researchers from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) and SciMetrika, LLC, is conducting a study funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health. The research team is led by Sara Quandt, professor of public health sciences at WFUSM in collaboration with John Elter of SciMetrika. The study, called "Rural Elderly Nutrition and Oral Health Study" will be performed in Harnett and Robeson Counties to build on the research team’s eight-year history of health research in these counties. The study began in March 2005 and will last for four years.
“We are excited about the opportunity to work again with the people of Harnett and Robeson Counties to try to help address this serious problem,” Quandt said.
The study consists of two phases: In Phase I, one-hour in-depth interviews will be conducted with 36 older adults at least 60 years of age with some degree of oral health problems in the two counties. The interviews will be designed to help understand the ways in which older adults change their diet and social activities to compensate for their poor oral health. In Phase 2, a random sample of 750 older adults will be selected to participate in an in-home survey and oral health examination (for those with at least one natural tooth). The survey will consist of measures of oral health, quality of life, nutritional status, food related behaviors, social interaction and functional status.
The oral health examination will assess presence of natural teeth, gum disease, dental cavities, and presence and condition of dentures. Participants for both phases of the study will be selected to obtain equal representation from black, Native American and white men and women. Interviews for both phases of the study will be conducted by Rhonda Faircloth, a Robeson County resident, while the oral health examination will be conducted by a trained registered dental hygienist under the supervision of a dentist. Study participants will receive a small monetary incentive after the interviews are completed.
“This study will provide very useful information about the oral health of older adults in these communities. This information will help health care providers develop strategies to manage this major health concern,” Quandt said.