ORAL RISK FACTORS ASSESSMENT IN AN INSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERLY CENTER OF BUCHAREST

Authors: Ruxandra SFEATCU, Christina MIHAI, Radu ILINCA, Mircea LUPUȘORU, Ana Maria Cristina ȚÂNCU

Abstract:

Introduction: Use of oral health services is low and treatment needs are very high, particularly among the socio-economically disadvantaged ones. Objective: To evaluate oral cancer risk of people living in a centre for the homeless in Bucharest. Material and methods: 51 institutionalized persons were clinically examined and interviewed in order to detect any oral lesions and oral cancer risk factors, with the aid of an Internet-based measurement tool (PreViser, USA). Results and discussion: 32 of the participants claimed to smoke cigarettes daily, and 50%  reported a consumption of ≥ 10 cigarettes per day. Three subjects reported a history of cancer and three a family history of cancer. The PreViser system suggested that nearly 20% of them should undergo screening annually or two yearly. Conclusions: Although no precancerous or oral cancer lesions were detected, there is a need for oral clinical re-examinations in order to detect any abnormalities in the earliest possible stage.

Keywords:
  • alcohol drinking
  • deprived group
  • low socioeconomic status
  • oral diagnosis
  • smoking