| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the problem and aim of the work: The number and proportion of seniors in the global population is increasing. Elderly residing in care homes are susceptible to hyposalivation – a condition characterized by reduced saliva production due to the hypofunction of salivary glands. Hyposalivation can negatively impact both physical and psychological health. Understanding its prevalence and identifying associated risk factors is essential to improve the quality of life among the elderly. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hyposalivation and to identify its risk factors among seniors living in special social care home "Tremtiniu namai". Material and the methods: A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted at the special social care home "Tremtiniu namai" (VRBTEK No. 2024/1-1563-1024). Seniors who met the inclusion criteria signed an informed consent form and completed questionnaires regarding their health status. An intraoral examination was performed. Subjective dry mouth was assessed using the Summated Xerostomia Inventory (SXI). Objective dry mouth was evaluated using unstimulated sialometry method. Participants were divided into three age groups: 1 (65–74 years), 2 (75–84 years) and 3 (85 years and older). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 38 seniors aged between 69 and 97 years participated in the study. The sample consisted of 27 women (71.1%) and 11 men (28.9%). Hyposalivation was identified in 27 participants (71.1%), while xerostomia was diagnosed in 12 participants (31.6%). Both xerostomia and hyposalivation were present in 9 participants (23.7%). Among those diagnosed with hyposalivation, 19 (50%) belonged to the 85 years and older age group (p=0.027). No statistically significant relationship was found between hyposalivation and oral candidiasis (p=0.079), however, the likelihood of Candida infection increased approximately 7.2 times in the presence of hyposalivation (95% CI: 0.78–66.98; OR=7.22; p=0.093). No statistically significant associations were found between hyposalivation and removable dentures, polypharmacy, xerogenic medications, systemic diseases, smoking, alcohol consumption, or a history of head and neck radiotherapy (p>0.05). Conclusions: Hyposalivation was identified in 71.1% of the seniors. Age over 85 years was found to be a statistically significant risk factor for hyposalivation among seniors living in special social care home "Tremtiniu namai". Keywords: Care Homes, Gerontodontology, Hyposalivation, Xerostomia. |
