Determinants of Oral Health Literacy and Self-Care in High-Altitude Rural Geriatric Populations
Determinantes de la alfabetización en salud oral y autocuidado en poblaciones geriátricas rurales de gran altitudArticle Sidebar
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Introduction: The global burden of periodontal disease among the elderly is a critical public health concern, compounded by rapid population aging. However, a significant research gap persists regarding sociodemographic determinants within highly vulnerable, high-altitude Andean rural contexts. Objective: To evaluate the influence of sociodemographic factors on oral health literacy (OHL) among elderly residents in a high-altitude Andean rural region of Puno, Peru. Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional census (N=60) was conducted in the Chucuito district (3,827 m.a.s.l.). The methodology utilized a validated questionnaire (α=0.82) and multivariate analysis via bootstrapped binary logistic regression. Results: Educational attainment emerged as the most robust predictor of adequate literacy (OR=8.16; 95% CI: 1.87–35.5), surpassing chronological age (OR=0.88). A critical behavioral gap was identified: while 53.3% recognized the utility of dental floss, only 15% reported regular use. Conclusions: Health policies in structurally disadvantaged environments must prioritize lifelong education and facilitate physical access to oral hygiene tools, moving beyond traditional clinical care models
Introducción: La carga global de la enfermedad periodontal en adultos mayores configura un desafío de salud pública agravado por el envejecimiento poblacional. Persiste un vacío significativo de estudios analíticos sobre determinantes sociodemográficos en contextos rurales andinos de alta vulnerabilidad. Objetivo: Se analizó la influencia de factores sociodemográficos en la alfabetización en salud oral en adultos mayores residentes en una zona rural andina de gran altitud del departamento de Puno, Perú. Metodología: Se empleó un diseño transversal analítico tipo censo (N=60) en el distrito de Chucuito, Puno, a 3827 msnm. Se aplicó un cuestionario validado (α=0.82) y análisis multivariante mediante regresión logística binaria con técnicas de bootstrapping. Resultados: El nivel educativo se identificó como el predictor más robusto de alfabetización adecuada (OR=8.16; IC95%: 1.87-35.5), superando a la edad cronológica (OR=0.88). Se evidenció una brecha crítica: 53.3% conoce la utilidad del hilo dental, aunque solo 15% lo utiliza. Conclusiones: Las políticas de salud en entornos de adversidad estructural deben priorizar la educación continua y facilitar el acceso físico a herramientas de higiene oral, trascendiendo la atención clínica tradicional.
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