Prevalence of Medical Conditions and Medication Usage: Implications for Oral Health among Older Adults in Rural Victoria
Source abstract
Abstract
(1) Background: A study was undertaken to provide a comprehensive profile of the prevalence and distribution, by selected socio-demographic characteristics, of chronic diseases and health conditions including those that impact the oral health and oral health self-care of independently living older adults in rural areas of the state of Victoria; (2) Methods: The study analyzed data from the Crossroads-II project, with a total of 1407 participants aged 55 years and older. Participants responded to questionnaires about their medical health history, health service use, and socio-demographics. In total, 572 attended a 2-h health screening that included an assessment of prescribed medications; (3) Results: Most participants were female (55.3%), with a mean age of 69.1 (SD = 9.2) years. Participants had a high prevalence of medical conditions; the most common were high blood pressure, arthritis, high lipids, hearing loss, and chronic pain. Almost all participants reported taking medications, with an average of 4.3 medications per person. Among those who attended the health screening, 78.1% were taking medications that could cause xerostomia (dry mouth); (4) Conclusions: This study provides initial information on the prevalence of medical conditions, medication usage, and the potential impact on the oral health of older adults living in rural Victoria. This information would be valuable for healthcare and dental workforce planning, policy development, and improving the overall well-being of this population.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Dental Health and Care Utilization · Oral microbiology and periodontitis research · HIV/AIDS oral health manifestations
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
Center for Research in Epidemiology, Economics and Oral Public Health (CIEESPO), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Department of Rural Health, Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC 3630, Australia
Macarthur Clinical School, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
Funding
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) · Goulburn Valley Health · Primary Care Connect · Benalla Health · Cobram District Health · Seymour Health · Moira Shire · Goulburn Valley Primary Care Partnerships · Shepparton Access · City of Greater Shepparton · Alfred Health · Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne
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