ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF PROSTHODONTICS AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE IN OFUOMA COMMUNITY UGHELLI, DELTA STATE

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ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF PROSTHODONTICS AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE IN OFUOMA COMMUNITY UGHELLI, DELTA STATE

Abstract

Oral health plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being, especially among the elderly population, where tooth loss and oral dysfunctions are prevalent. Prosthodontics—the branch of dentistry focused on restoring and replacing missing teeth—remains an essential aspect of geriatric oral care. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of prosthodontics among elderly people in Ofuoma Community, Ughelli, Delta State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving structured questionnaires administered to elderly participants aged 60 years and above. The data collected focused on awareness of prosthodontic services, perception toward dental rehabilitation, and barriers to seeking treatment. Results revealed that while a moderate proportion of respondents were aware of dentures and dental restorations, misconceptions and low utilization of prosthodontic services persisted due to factors such as cost, fear, and lack of accessibility. The findings underscore the need for targeted oral health education programs and community-based outreach initiatives to improve prosthodontic awareness and acceptance among the elderly. Enhanced collaboration between dental professionals and public health agencies is recommended to promote oral rehabilitation as a key component of healthy aging.

Keywords: Prosthodontics, Elderly, Knowledge, Attitude, Oral Health, Delta State, Ofuoma Community.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Oral health is an essential component of general health and quality of life. Among elderly populations, oral conditions such as tooth loss, gum disease, and edentulism are common and can significantly impair nutrition, speech, and social interaction (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). Prosthodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry concerned with the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for missing teeth, plays a vital role in restoring oral function and aesthetics in aging populations (Neto et al., 2018).

In developing countries like Nigeria, the elderly often experience high rates of tooth loss due to inadequate oral hygiene practices, poor access to dental care, and low awareness of prosthodontic options (Adeniyi & Odusanya, 2017). Despite advancements in prosthodontic treatments such as dentures, bridges, and implants, the utilization of these services remains low among elderly populations in rural communities (Ajayi et al., 2019). Factors such as financial constraints, cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and fear of dental procedures contribute to this trend (Umanah et al., 2021).

Ofuoma Community in Ughelli, Delta State, represents a typical semi-urban Nigerian setting where oral health awareness is limited, and access to prosthodontic services is minimal. Understanding the level of knowledge and attitude toward prosthodontics among the elderly in this community is essential for developing effective oral health education and intervention programs (Eke et al., 2020). Such studies contribute to improving not only oral health but also the overall well-being of the aging population.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Tooth loss among the elderly is often regarded as a natural consequence of aging, leading to neglect in seeking prosthodontic treatment (Adejoh et al., 2019). Many elderly individuals in Nigerian communities continue to live with partial or complete tooth loss, resulting in difficulties in eating, poor aesthetics, and diminished self-esteem (Olusile et al., 2018). Despite the availability of modern prosthodontic solutions, the uptake of these services remains low due to limited awareness, cost implications, and misconceptions about their effectiveness (Amoran & Lawal, 2021).

In Ofuoma Community, anecdotal observations suggest that many elderly people are unaware of prosthodontic options or perceive them as unnecessary luxuries rather than essential health interventions. This knowledge gap may have far-reaching implications for oral health outcomes and quality of life. Therefore, evaluating the knowledge and attitudes of the elderly toward prosthodontics is critical in identifying educational and policy interventions that can improve oral rehabilitation in this population (Chukwu et al., 2020).

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of prosthodontics among elderly people in Ofuoma Community, Ughelli, Delta State.

The specific objectives are to:

Assess the level of knowledge of prosthodontics among elderly people in Ofuoma Community.

Examine the attitudes of elderly people toward prosthodontic treatments.

Identify the factors influencing awareness and utilization of prosthodontic services among the elderly.

Recommend strategies to improve prosthodontic awareness and acceptance in the community.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following questions:

What is the level of knowledge of prosthodontics among elderly people in Ofuoma Community?

What attitudes do the elderly hold toward prosthodontic treatments?

What factors influence the utilization of prosthodontic services among the elderly in the community?

How can awareness and acceptance of prosthodontics be improved among elderly people in Ofuoma Community?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. Firstly, it contributes to the understanding of oral health behavior among the elderly in rural Nigerian communities, particularly regarding prosthodontic awareness (Neto et al., 2018). Secondly, the findings will assist policymakers, dental practitioners, and health educators in designing effective oral health programs tailored to the needs of older adults (Eke et al., 2020). Furthermore, it will serve as a reference for future research on geriatric dentistry and community-based oral health interventions in Nigeria.

By promoting prosthodontic awareness, this study has the potential to improve the quality of life of elderly individuals through enhanced oral functionality, aesthetics, and self-confidence (Ajayi et al., 2019).

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on assessing the knowledge and attitude of prosthodontics among elderly people residing in Ofuoma Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. It includes individuals aged 60 years and above. The study will assess their awareness of prosthodontic options, perception of dental rehabilitation, and factors affecting utilization of such services.

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