Evaluation of the Comprehensive Oral Health Program (GES-60) on Oral Health Indicators and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults in Ovalle, Chile

Abstract

Introduction: this study evaluated the Comprehensive Oral Health Program (GES-60) and its association with oral health indicators and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in older adults in Ovalle, Chile. Methods: a non-concurrent cohort study was conducted comparing users and non-users of the GES-60 program, who were surveyed and clinically examined for periodontal status, oral hygiene habits, smoking, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and OHRQoL assessed using the OHIP-7Sp scale. Results: a total of 238 older adults were examined (102 users and 136 non-users). Access to the program did not differ by sex (Chi-square test; p = 0.935). Awareness of the benefit was low (18.5 %). Users and non-users brushed with fluoride toothpaste twice or more a day (83.6 %). More than 50 % of the sample was diagnosed with periodontitis and perceived to have good OHRQoL. Among participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 79.8 % brushed twice or more daily (p < 0.0001) and 75 % used fluoride toothpaste at the same frequency (p < 0.0001). No association was found between OHRQoL and the use of GES-60 (Fisher's exact test; p=0.142). Conclusions: most older adults demonstrated adequate oral hygiene habits and good self-perceptions of OHRQoL. The high prevalence of periodontitis suggests possible gaps in periodontal disease awareness. These findings highlight the need to strengthen educational components to help users better understand the OHIP-7Sp survey.