BARRIERS TO QUALITY ORAL HEALTH CARE AMONG ELDERLY [GERIATRIC] PATIENTS IN OYO STATE ,NIGERIA

BARRIERS TO QUALITY ORAL HEALTH CARE AMONG ELDERLY [GERIATRIC] PATIENTS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the barriers to quality oral healthcare among elderly geriatric patients in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study employs a cross-sectional research design. A sample size of 100 participants is determined through a power analysis, utilizing a combination of convenience and snowball sampling for recruitment. A structured questionnaire is employed as the research instrument, addressing demographics, oral healthcare barriers, insurance coverage, service utilization, and awareness of preventive practices. Data collection is conducted through face-to-face interviews with trained research assistants, ensuring participant privacy and confidentiality. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, are employed for data analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicate a significant representation of the elderly population, with 70% falling in the 46 and above age range. Males constitute 60% of the respondents, highlighting a gender imbalance. Barriers to quality oral healthcare are elucidated, with 70% citing the high cost of dental treatments as a major obstacle. Lack of awareness (40%) and inadequate availability of dental professionals (50%) are also prevalent challenges. Furthermore, 65% of respondents lack oral healthcare insurance, emphasizing the financial barrier. Utilization of oral healthcare services varies, with 20% seeking services regularly, 50% occasionally, and 30% rarely. Awareness of preventive oral health practices is generally high, with 80% recognizing regular brushing and flossing as crucial. Routine dental check-ups (60%) and a balanced diet with limited sugary intake (40%) are also acknowledged preventive measures. The study contributes valuable insights into the barriers faced by elderly geriatric patients in Oyo State, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address financial constraints, raise awareness, and improve access to quality oral healthcare services. The findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies to enhance the oral health outcomes of the elderly population in the region.

 

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

• Background of the Study

Oral health is a fundamental component of an individual’s overall health and well-being, contributing significantly to their quality of life. The state of one’s oral health can have far-reaching implications on various aspects of life, including physical comfort, social interactions, self-esteem, and even nutritional intake. Maintaining good oral health is essential for preventing oral diseases such as dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) diseases, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and functional limitations (Kossioni  et al., 2018). Oral health encompasses the maintenance of healthy teeth, gums, and oral tissues, as well as the prevention and treatment of oral diseases such as dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal diseases (gum diseases). Neglecting oral health can lead to pain, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, malnutrition, and even systemic health issues.

In Nigeria, oral diseases are prevalent, posing a significant burden on the population’s oral health. The Global Burden of Disease Study reported that dental caries and periodontal diseases were among the most common oral conditions in Nigeria, affecting individuals of all age groups. These oral diseases can greatly impact the quality of life of geriatric patients, affecting their ability to eat, speak, and socialize comfortably. Despite the importance of oral health care, there are notable barriers to its utilization, particularly among elderly patients in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study conducted by Adeniyi and Oyapero (2020) sheds light on these barriers and provides valuable insights into the factors influencing the utilization of quality oral health care services among geriatric patients. The findings of Adeniyi and Oyapero (2020) revealed significant disparities in oral health care utilization, particularly among the elderly, rural residents, individuals with financial constraints, and those with low education levels or oral health complaints. These findings underscore the existence of barriers that impede access to quality oral health care services for geriatric patients in Oyo State.

Financial constraints emerge as one critical barrier, preventing elderly patients from seeking oral health care services. Limited financial resources may hinder their ability to pay for treatments, dental appointments, and necessary oral health interventions. This barrier is exacerbated by the fact that oral health care is not always adequately covered by existing healthcare financing systems. Moreover, the study highlights the impact of geographic location on oral health care utilization. Rural residents face challenges related to limited access to oral health care facilities and providers. The lack of dental clinics and professionals in remote areas can make it difficult for geriatric patients residing in rural Oyo State to access necessary oral health care services. This issue is further compounded by transportation difficulties and long travel distances required to reach dental facilities.

Additionally, the study emphasizes the influence of education level and awareness on oral health care utilization. Low educational attainment may contribute to a lack of knowledge about the importance of oral health and preventive measures. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed or neglected dental visits, resulting in the progression of oral diseases and an increased need for advanced treatments. Negative attitudes towards oral health care also act as barriers to utilization. Some geriatric patients may perceive oral health care as less important compared to other healthcare needs or may have dental anxiety, leading to avoidance of dental visits. These negative attitudes can hinder geriatric patients from seeking timely and appropriate oral health care services.

Despite its importance, oral health is often overlooked or neglected, especially in underserved areas with limited access to dental care . Hence, this research intends to investigate barriers to quality oral health care among elderly (geriatric) patients in Oyo State, Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Oral health care among elderly (geriatric) patients in Oyo State, Nigeria faces significant challenges and barriers that impede access to quality care. This study aims to identify and address the major problems associated with oral health care utilization among geriatric patients, shedding light on the specific barriers they face and proposing solutions to improve their oral health outcomes.

Firstly, financial constraints pose a substantial problem for geriatric patients seeking oral health care. Limited financial resources may prevent them from affording necessary treatments, dental appointments, and preventive measures. The inability to access affordable oral health care services jeopardizes their oral health status and overall well-being. By understanding the financial barriers and proposing strategies to mitigate them, this research can contribute to improving access to affordable oral health care for geriatric patients in Oyo State.

Secondly, geographic location presents a significant challenge for geriatric patients in accessing oral health care. Rural residents particularly face difficulties due to limited availability of dental clinics and professionals in remote areas. The lack of access to oral health care facilities, coupled with transportation challenges and long travel distances, hinders their ability to receive timely and appropriate oral health care services. This study aims to identify the specific geographic barriers faced by geriatric patients in Oyo State and propose solutions to enhance access to oral health care in rural areas.

Thirdly, a lack of awareness and low educational attainment contribute to poor utilization of oral health care services among geriatric patients. Limited knowledge about the importance of oral health and preventive measures can lead to delayed or neglected dental visits, allowing oral diseases to progress. Additionally, negative attitudes towards oral health care may discourage geriatric patients from seeking necessary treatments. By exploring these educational and attitudinal barriers and developing targeted interventions to address them, this research aims to improve awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards oral health care among geriatric patients in Oyo State.

1.4 Research Questions

This research project seeks to address the following three identical research questions:

1. What are the primary barriers to quality oral healthcare among elderly geriatric patients in Oyo State, Nigeria?
2. What is the level of awareness among geriatric patients regarding preventive oral health practices in Oyo State?
3. What is the extent of utilization of oral healthcare services among elderly geriatric patients in Oyo State?

1.5 Research Objectives

The research objectives corresponding to the above research questions are as follows:

1. To identify and assess the barriers faced by elderly geriatric patients in accessing quality oral healthcare in Oyo State, Nigeria.
2. To determine the level of awareness among geriatric patients regarding preventive oral health practices in Oyo State.
3. To examine the utilization patterns of oral healthcare services among elderly geriatric patients in Oyo State and understand the factors influencing their utilization.

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it will provide valuable insights into the barriers faced by elderly patients in accessing quality oral health care in Oyo State, Nigeria. The findings will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on oral health care disparities among the elderly population. Secondly, the research will assist policymakers, healthcare providers, and relevant stakeholders in developing targeted interventions and strategies to improve oral health care delivery for the elderly in Oyo State. Lastly, the study may serve as a foundation for future research and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing oral health disparities among the elderly population in Nigeria.

1.6 Scope and Limitations

This research focuses specifically on elderly (geriatric) patients in Oyo State, Nigeria, and their barriers to quality oral health care. The study will involve elderly patients aged 60 years or above who seek oral health care services in selected healthcare facilities within Oyo State. The research will be limited to assessing the barriers faced by elderly patients and may not delve into the specific oral health conditions or treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the study’s findings may not be generalized to other regions or countries without considering their unique contextual factors.

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