Impacto del edentulismo en el estado nutricional de pacientes adultos.

Abstract

Edentulism is an oral health condition characterized by the partial or total loss of teeth; it is currently considered a public health issue due to the associated functional, aesthetic, and nutritional complications. Objective: To determine the impact of edentulism on the nutritional status of adult patients. Methodology: The research was conducted in the La Guayaquil settlement Balzar canton using a quantitative approach with a descriptive and relational design. Population/Sample: 105 patients. Techniques and Instruments: Intraoral clinical dental examination and nutritional assessment. Results: Sociodemographic data showed a composition of 65.7% men and 34.3% women; 41.9% were over 66 years of age, and 43.8% belonged to a low socioeconomic level. Regarding the type of edentulism, 51.4% of cases were partial and 48.6% were total, with a duration of 1–5 years in 32.4% of cases. Body Mass Index (BMI) results showed 41.9% within the normal weight range and 38.1% overweight. Identified causes included periodontal disease (53%) followed by untreated dental caries (50%). Regarding diet, 44.8% of patients consumed solid foods. Pearson's chi-square test yielded a value of X² = 9.286 and a two-tailed significance of p = 0.098. Conclusion: edentulism does not, in itself, determine a patient's nutritional status. However, the low number of underweight patients in this study prevented the establishment of a relationship between the study variables.