Poor Knowledge of Partial Denture Use is Associated with Lower Quality of Life Among Elderly

Abstract

Elderly frequently experience tooth loss, which may impair mastication, speech, appearance, and psychosocial well‑being. Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are intended to restore oral function; however, their use in rural communities remains limited. Knowledge of denture use; including functions, benefits, maintenance, and access to services may influence oral‑health behaviour and quality of life. Evidence describing this relationship in rural Madurese populations is still limited. This study aimed to determine the relationship between knowledge of RPD use and oral health related quality of life among elderly in Lantek Timur Village, Bangkalan, Madura. This analytical cross‑sectional study was conducted from December 2025 to February 2026 in Lantek Timur Village. A total of 34 older adults aged 60–70 years with tooth loss were recruited through total sampling. Knowledge of RPD use was measured using a questionnaire adapted from Ahza et al. and categorized as good or poor. Quality of life was assessed using the OHIP‑14 instrument. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize elderly characteristics. Fisher’s exact test was applied to examine the association between knowledge and quality of life impact, and Cramer’s V was calculated to determine the strength of association. In results, most respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of RPD use (67.6%). More than half (58.8%) experienced moderate‑to‑severe or very severe quality‑of‑life impact. A significant relationship was found between knowledge of RPD use and quality‑of‑life impact (p = 0.007). Cramer’s V was 0.596, indicating a moderate association. Elderly with poor knowledge were more frequently found in the moderate‑to‑severe and very severe categories. In conclusion, knowledge of RPD use was significantly associated with oral‑health‑related quality of life. Poor knowledge was linked to greater functional and psychosocial impact. Community‑based oral‑health education, family support, and improved access to denture services may enhance denture‑related knowledge and support better quality of life among older adults in rural settings.

Keywords: Elderly; removable partial denture; knowledge; oral‑health‑related quality of life; rural community