Objective: This study was designed to explore variations in oral hygiene practices and facilities in long-term care institutions for elders. Reported level of caregivers' knowledge related to oral health, reported work-climate, management, size of the institution and the mean age and degree of dependency of residents were evaluated.
Methods: Sixteen nursing homes were selected, using stratified random sampling, in the region of Gent (Flanders). Nine different strata were used based on size and management. Factors thought to be associated with the variation in oral hygiene practices and facilities were collected from 225 caregivers (75%) through a structured 45-item questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated and tested for reliability during a test-retest prior to the start of the study. The relation between rates of oral hygiene practices and facilities and explanatory variables was investigated using correlation analysis and subsequently by multiple regression analysis.
Results: The best fitted regression model explained 30% of oral hygiene practice variation. The most predictive variable was the knowledge of caregivers, which explained 17% of the variation, while mean age explained 7% and managerial behaviour 6.3%. There was a trend towards a negative relationship with mean age, degree of dependency and size of the institution.
Conclusion: Most of the variance in oral health practices and facilities in long-term care institutions for elders in Gent remains unexplained. Knowledge, mean age and managerial behaviour were the most likely explanatory variables.