Factors associated with the oral health-related quality of life in elderly persons in dental clinic: validation of a Mandarin Chinese version of GOHAI.

OBJECTIVES: To translate the original English version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) into Mandarin Chinese and assess its reliability and validity for use among the elderly in inland China and to explore the factors associated with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
METHODS: The original English version of GOHAI was translated, back-translated and cross-culturally adapted. The psychometric properties of GOHAI-M were assessed in a sample of 263 people aged 60 years and over and OHRQoL was examined in 221 subjects using GOHAI-M. Multiple regression analysis was conducted.
RESULTS: Internal consistency of the GOHAI-M was excellent (Cronbach's α:0.81). Split-half reliability coefficient was 0.80, and item-scale correlation coefficient ranged from 0.25 to 0.71. Self-rated oral health was significantly associated with OHRQoL (r(s)=0.505, p<0.01). The relation coefficient between GOHAI-M and self-perceived need for dental treatment and number of missing teeth were 0.231 and -0.653, respectively (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis found that better OHRQoL was significantly associated with better self-ratings of oral health (β=0.497, p=0.01), number of missing teeth (β=0.187, p<0.01) and life satisfaction (β=0.132, p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: The Mandarin Chinese version of GOHAI demonstrates acceptable reliability and validity. OHRQoL is associated with self-rated oral health, number of missing teeth and satisfaction with life.