Chewing problems and dissatisfaction with chewing ability: a survey of older Tanzanians

This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of reported chewing problems and dissatisfaction with chewing ability. Discrepancy between reported chewing problems and satisfaction/dissatisfaction with chewing ability was examined. A household survey was conducted in Tanzania in 2004/2005. A total of 1,031 adults (mean age 62.9 yr) underwent clinical examination and a personal interview. Forty per cent [95% confidence interval (CI): 37-43] reported problems with chewing at least one food item, and 25% (95% CI: 22-28) were dissatisfied with their chewing ability. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for reporting problems with chewing any food were 1.6, 1.2, and 4.2 if having intact anterior/reduced posterior, reduced anterior/intact posterior, and reduced anterior/posterior occluding units, respectively. Subjects dissatisfied with their chewing ability were less likely to be female (OR = 0.6) and more likely to have reduced anterior/posterior occluding units (OR = 3.4), to report dental pain (OR =2.5), chewing problems (OR = 4.7), and oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) (OR = 3.2). The OIDP scores discriminated between satisfied and dissatisfied groups, irrespective of confirmed chewing problems. Chewing problems and dissatisfaction with chewing ability was prevalent among older Tanzanians. Clinical measures of dentition status, together with reported functional and psychosocial impact scores, determined the subjects' evaluation of their chewing ability and should be taken into account when estimating treatment needs.