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Black-white difference in oral hygiene performance test scores. A preliminary finding
S A Doherty1, A Ross, O W Presley
1Department of Preventive Dentistry and Community Health, School of Dentistry, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
The Journal of the Tennessee Dental Association
|July 1, 1996
Summary
The Oral Hygiene Performance Test (OHPT) revealed performance differences in daily oral hygiene activities between elderly African-Americans and European-Americans. This objective measure quantifies oral hygiene ability in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Assessing oral hygiene performance in elderly populations is crucial for maintaining overall health.
- Existing methods may lack objectivity in evaluating daily oral hygiene activities.
- Understanding racial differences in oral hygiene performance can inform targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the Oral Hygiene Performance Test (OHPT) for measuring race-based differences in oral hygiene.
- To objectively quantify the performance of daily oral hygiene activities in elderly African-American and European-American individuals.
Main Methods:
- The Oral Hygiene Performance Test (OHPT), a direct observation measure, was administered to 80 community-dwelling elderly subjects (43 African-American, 37 European-American).
- Participants completed a battery of functional status measurements, including the 17-item OHPT.
- Performance was objectively quantified by measuring the time taken to complete each OHPT item.
Main Results:
- The OHPT detected statistically significant differences in the performance of daily oral hygiene activities between African-American and European-American elderly participants.
- Performance variations were evident in the time required to complete specific items within the OHPT.
Conclusions:
- The Oral Hygiene Performance Test (OHPT) is a reliable and objective instrument for assessing oral hygiene performance in elderly populations.
- The study highlights potential race-based disparities in oral hygiene capabilities among older adults, warranting further investigation and tailored health strategies.