The effect of denture placement on nutrition status and quality of life in the urban elderly

Lee, Young Kwon; Park, Eun Young; Lee, Hee Kyung

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of denture placement on nutrition status and quality of life in the urban elderly. Material and method: The first survey was conducted from 45 targeted elderly people(25 experimental group, 20 control). In the first survey, information on general characteristics, chewing ability, food intake and nutrient intake, anthropometric measurement, and degree of satisfaction in life were obtained. The second survey was conducted to evaluate the effect of denture placement with same method as the first survey.
Results
Before denture placement, there are no statistical significant differences (in general characteristics, chewing ability, nutrient intake, anthropometric measurement, and degree of satisfaction in life) between experimental group and control. But after denture placement, survey shows that there is statistically significant difference in chewing ability between two groups. The experimental group have higher intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate, iron, and vitamin C. in nutrient intake. And after denture replacement, there is significant improvement in degree of satisfaction in life. After denture placement there are significant changes in agitation and attitude toward own aging according to Lawton's factor classification.
Conclusion
In short, this study shows that chewing ability improvement of the elderly has strong positive effects to their food intake, nutrient status and quality of life.