Gender Differences in Self-Reported Oral Health–Related Quality of Life Among Older Men and Women at Two Midwest Senior Centers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in functional, psychosocial, and pain-related consequences of oral health among older men and women at two Midwest senior centers. Method: The Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used to assess self-reported oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older men and women at two Midwest senior centers. Researchers also collected demographic information, including age, gender, marital status, level of education, annual income, and ethnicity. Results: Older women reported significantly lower overall OHRQoL than men did, and this difference was not better explained as being due to differences in annual income or marital status. Furthermore, women scored significantly lower on the Physical Functioning and Psychosocial Functioning subscales of the GOHAI, while women also had lower average scores on the Pain/Discomfort subscale. This difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Older women were reportedly more negatively impacted by OHRQoL issues than older men. Women reported significantly lower levels of physical and psychosocial functioning due to oral health problems. Data regarding gender differences in oral health related pain and discomfort were inconclusive. Further research is needed to examine this question, as well as to determine the reasons why women seem to experience lower OHRQoL than men do in old age.