Factors associated with negative self-perception of oral health among institutionalized elderly/ Fatores associados a autopercepcao negativa da saude bucal em idosos institucionalizados

The aim of this study was to determine self-perception of oral-health in institutionalized elderly, and look into the sociodemographic and clinical aspects associated with negative self-perception. One hundred and sixty-six elderly were assessed by answering a self-perception question that predicts the GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index). Sociodemographic data was obtained from a previously validated questionnaire and clinical data taken from the WHO file and QST-TMD used to check the existence of TMD (temporomandibular disturbance). The data gathered was submitted to Mann-Whitney, Fisher's Exact and Chi-squared tests with a 5% significance level. The average age of the study population was 80.5, and 75.9% were women. The mean DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth in permanent teeth) was 28.9, the majority of the sample subject (65%) reported good to excellent teeth, gums and prostheses (dentures and bridges). Three questions in the TMD questionnaire (QST-DTM) were associated with negative self-perception. Those claiming that their jaws "lock" when they open or close their mouth, who always have pain at the front or side of their jaw, or whose jaws get tired during the course of the day are less satisfied with their oral health. We conclude that clinical and sociodemographic conditions have little influence on self-perception of oral health, possibly because pain is the main factor associated with negative self-perception in these individuals. Key words Self-perception, Elderly, Oral health Objetivou-se identificar a autopercepcao da saude bucal em idosos institucionalizados e investigar se aspectos sociodemograficos e clinicos estao associados a autopercepcao negativa. Foram avaliados 166 idosos, os quais responderam a uma questao de autopercepcao que prediz o GOHAI. Os dados sociodemograficos foram obtidos a partir de questionarios previamente validados, assim como os clinicos, que se fundamentaram na ficha da OMS e no QST-DTM, utilizado para verificar a presenca de DTM. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos aos testes de Mann-Whitney, Exato de Fisher e Qui-quadrado com nivel de significancia de 5%. Em media, os idosos tinham 80,5 anos e 75,9% eram do sexo feminino. O CPO-D medio foi de 28,9, tendo a maioria, 65%, relatado uma boa ou excelente condicao de seus dentes, gengivas e proteses. Tres questoes do questionario QST-DTM se mostraram associadas a autopercepcao negativa. Os que dizem que sempre sua mandibula "trava" quando abre ou fecha a b