Poor oral health and anorexia in older rehabilitation patients

To investigate the association between anorexia and comprehensive oral health status in older inpatients.

Anorexia in older inpatients is a major concern, but whether it is associated with oral problems is currently unclear.

This cross-sectional study included 160 participants (42.5% men) aged ≥65 years (mean age 78.6 ± 7.9) who had been admitted to a rehabilitation hospital. A score of ≤14 on the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire for Japanese Elderly indicated anorexia. A score of ≥3 on the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) indicated poor oral health. Malnutrition was diagnosed according to the criteria set out by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between poor oral health and anorexia and, additionally, which subcategory of the OHAT (represented by a score ≥1) was associated with anorexia.

Anorexia and poor oral health status were observed in 86 (53.8%) and 85 (53.1%), respectively. Poor oral health was associated with anorexia after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-5.9). Additionally, poor status of dentures (AOR 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2-5.7) and poor oral cleanliness (AOR 3.0; 95% CI: 1.4-6.4) were independently associated with anorexia.

Poor oral health was associated with anorexia in older inpatients. Detection of poor oral health status using a comprehensive oral health assessment may be useful for anorexic patients. Early detection for poor oral health using comprehensive oral health assessments and oral care and prosthetic treatment may be useful for anorexic patients.