Assessment of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of the United Arab Emirates' Elderly Population: Observational Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the oral health self-perception on quality of life in the elderly using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to assess the impact of demographic and oral health factors on oral health-related quality of life. Methods: An observational prospective cross-sectional study for the entire six-month period was conducted in a dental health care center in the United Arab Emirates. The principal inclusion criterion is being aged 60 and over. The GOHAI questionnaire is composed of 4 domains of 12 items that address functional limitation, pain and discomfort, psychological impacts, and behavioral impacts. Patients were questioned about the frequency at which they experience any of the 12 listed problems. Results: A total of 318 respondents participated in the study and completed the whole questionnaire. Among these participants, 63.5% (n = 202) were male and 86.8% (n = 276) were <= 70 years. The average GOHAI score was 13.25, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [12.4%, 14%], indicating a low self-perception of oral health by the allocated sample. Statistical modeling identified dry mouth (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.40-3.48) and chewing problems (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.09-3.20) as the strongest determinants of poor oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the elderly population. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals should develop targeted strategies to address the specific needs of this population, ensuring sustained improvements in their quality of life.