Oral health, treatment burden and demographics of elders with care‐resistant behavior: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

AimsTo assess oral health, treatment burden, mortality risk, and demographics in elders with care‐resistant behaviors (CRB) in nursing homes (NH) and compare them with those without CRB.Methods and results503 participants from eight NH who received dental treatment through a mobile dental clinic were included. Their medical and dental records were screened regarding oral/dental health, treatment history, general health, demographics, and CRB. Statistical analysis was performed to show correlations between CRB and the measured parameters. Data were verified for normal distribution; a point‐biserial correlation model was used (95% CI: α = 0.05). No correlation was found between CRB and Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMF‐T) (rpb = ‐0.061, p = .177), as well as periodontal status (rpb = 0.004, p = .946). A negative correlation was observed between CRB and the required number of treatment procedures (rpb = ‐0.181, p < .0001), time (rpb = ‐0.118, p = .010), and costs (rpb = ‐0.100, p = .028). Sex predilection for men regarding CRB was evident (rpb = ‐0.155, p = .01). No correlation appeared between CRB and vital status (rpb = ‐0.41, p = .355).ConclusionOral health seems to be similar in institutionalized elders with or without CRB. Treatment burden was not elevated, but even reduced in elders with CRB, evincing that few/no treatment procedures were performed in those elders. CRB demonstrated a sex predilection for men. An association between CRB and increased mortality was not evident.