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Relationship between oral health status and body mass index for residents in a transitional care center

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between oral health status and body mass index for residents in a Transitional Care Center. The population utilized in this study were 193 males and females between the ages of 16-98 years old who were admitted to the Transitional Care Center at Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Indiana. The researcher obtained informed consent from each participant upon admission to the subacute unit. The information used for this study was obtained from the Minimum Data Set located in each resident's medical record. Subjects were divided in two groups according to age, less than 75 years old and > 75 years old to determine whether age had an effect on oral health status and body mass index.The conclusion was that there was a difference between males and females. Women had a higher BMI than males for both age groups. Participants less than 75 years old were more likely to have a higher body mass index compared with subjects > 75 years of age. Seventy-four percent of those aged > 75 years old wore dentures or a removable bridge compared with 56% of younger subjects (< 75 years old).Although no statistically significant relationship was found between oral health status and body mass index, a trend was noted. As the number of oral health problems increased for individuals, body mass index decreased. The types and prevalence of specific oral health problems were reported indicating a need for further research into relationship between obesity, oral health, lifestyle factors, availability of dental care, and nutrient intakes for the elderly population. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/186540
Date January 1999
CreatorsMarshall, Molly J.
ContributorsSpangler, Alice A.
Source SetsBall State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Formatvii, 55 leaves ; 28 cm.
SourceVirtual Press

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