Factors Associated with Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Oral Care Among the Elderly in Hong Kong Community

Abstract

Background: The oral health of elderly populations is a significant concern, as it is closely linked to general health and health-related quality of life. Poor oral health exacerbates oral diseases, leading to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases and self-care dependence, particularly in the elderly, worldwide. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) play influential roles in individual oral care. However, the evidence of KAP related to oral care among the elderly is still inadequate. Objective: This study aimed to examine KAP and their associated factors related to oral care among the elderly community. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. The eligible subjects were recruited, using convenience sampling and snowball sampling. Results: A total of 385 elderly individuals were included, and 51.4% were women. The mean age was 71.66 (SD 6.28). Knowledge was reportedly poor, as more than 50% elderly answered several questions incorrectly. The mean attitude and practices scores were 44.94 (SD 6.33) and 68.90 (SD 10.44), respectively. There was a significant correlation among knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis revealed numerous factors had remarkably significant association with knowledge [R2 = 0.30, F (4,380) = 11.96, p < 0.001], attitudes [R2 = 0.28, F (6,378) = 9.27, p < 0.001], and practices [R2 = 0.31, F (5,379) = 12.34, p < 0.001], particularly education levels, full-time employment, and self-care independence. Conclusions: Based on the KAP theoretical model, KAP are closely interrelated. Identified factors associated with KAP are useful to understand at-risk groups. Elderly individuals at lower education levels, with poor family support and inadequate self-care independence, have poor KAP related to oral care. Therefore, this study improves insight for health promotion developers, suggesting that more attention should be paid to at-risk elderly groups’ oral health. To enhance participation in dental care and improve oral care performance in the elderly, educational program containing oral health knowledge should be offered to at-risk groups. Family support and involvement are also important for improving oral care among elderly individuals.

The Relationship Between Knowledge of Dental and Oral Health and The Number of Functioning Teeth in Indonesian Elderly People

“…The data obtained based on the results of research on 35 elderly people at the Hargo Dedali Nursing Home in Surabaya showed the average value of dental and oral health knowledge was 48.1 from the maximum value, which was 100. This study is in line with research by Wong [20],…”

Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices and oral health-related quality of life among stroke inpatients: a cross-sectional study

“…Notably, we found that the levels of oral health knowledge and attitudes were not coordinated. Oral health knowledge was also shown to be poor compared to oral health attitudes and practices in the study by Wong et al (2020) [ 30 ]. This may be attributed to the fact that people are increasingly concerned about their physical health as well as their quality of life, and participants had positive attitudes towards oral health, but their knowledge of oral health was limited due to their education level [ 31 ], monthly household income [ 32 ] and permanent home address [ 33 ].…”

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Perceptions and Barriers to Dental Care among Libyan Parents

“…Given that oral health is subjected to individual knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to oral health care. 19 Thus, understanding this population's KAP is required to develop tailored oral health educational interventions to improve their children's oral health.…”