ORAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN DEPENDENT OLDER ADULTS: INSIGHTS FROM OHAT AND MICROBIAL ASSESSMENTS

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to assess the oral health status and bacterial load of dependent older people in nursing homes and to compare bacterial levels by facility type. The sample consisted of 71 older adults aged 60 and above from three nursing homes in Bangkok (one public and two private). Research instruments included a questionnaire, the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), and a bacterial counter. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and One-way ANOVA. The results showed that the majority of participants were female (62.0%) and aged 80 years or older (56.3%). The most common oral hygiene method was using gauze with mouthwash (50.7%), performed twice daily (60.6%). The mean OHAT score was 6.76 ± 2.27, indicating oral health problems, particularly in oral cleanliness and natural teeth. The average bacterial load was 7.21 ± 0.52 log₁₀(CFU), with a statistically significant difference observed between nursing homes (p = 0.012). While the total OHAT score did not correlate with bacterial load, the oral cleanliness score showed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.493, p < 0.001). In conclusion, this group of older people exhibits significant oral health issues and high bacterial burdens. Therefore, accelerating the development of care standards, care assistant training, and support from dental professionals for continuous proactive care is essential.

Keywords: Dependent Older People, Oral Health, OHAT, Bacterial Count, Nursing Homes