Oral health promotion program on quality of life among institutionalized older adults in Bengaluru, India: a single-site pilot quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVES: The growing aging population worldwide faces numerous health challenges, including a high burden of oral diseases that significantly impact quality of life. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a structured, theory-based oral health promotion intervention on improving the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of institutionalized older adults in Bengaluru, India. METHODS: A Quasi experimental study, conducted between June 2019 and June 2020, involved 54 institutionalized older adults. Participants received oral health promotion based on the Ottawa Charter and education based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Activities included regular educational sessions focused on oral hygiene practices, training caregivers, and providing oral hygiene aids for older adults. OHRQoL was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). RESULTS: Overall improvements were observed in all GOHAI dimensions: physical function, pain/discomfort, and psychological function (p < 0.001). Total GOHAI scores increased from 21.70 ± 2.42 to 24.72 ± 2.33, indicating improved quality of life. Factors such as education level and pension status were associated with better OHRQoL scores. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of an Ottawa charter-based health promotion along with HBM based oral health education activities in improving the OHRQoL of institutionalized older adults.