<b>Oral health care: the significance given by caregivers of senior people</b> - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v8i1.7768

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the significance attributed to oral health care by a group of caregivers of elderly people. Thirty-three caregivers participated in the study. The data were collected through the presentation of a question that was answered in writing and analyzed through the content analysis method. Four groups of meanings interrelated with oral health care emerged: oral health as a factor of health; as a sociability element; as a symbol of corporal hygiene; and the qualification and determination of oral health importance. For the participants the meaning of oral health provided to the elderly is related to general preventive aspects and to subjective elements of life in society; thus, evidencing the inseparable vision between oral and general health. Oral health care was considered important in the context of life and health conditions of elderly people.