Oral health-related knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy of Australian rural older adults

Abstract

Objective: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving older adults from social clubs within a regional local government area in the state of Victoria, Australia, to identify factors associated with knowledge, and attitudes about oral health, as well as perceived self-efficacy. Methods: Participants underwent an oral health interview, followed by a comprehensive oral clinical examination. Results: A total of 225 older adults participated in this study. The mean age was 70.7 (range: 55–96) years. The majority was females (62.0%) and had incomplete secondary education or less (56.1%); 34.2% were fully edentulous. The mean oral health knowledge score was 24.7 (SD 3.8). None of the socio-dem..