Combinations of chronic conditions, functional limitations and geriatric syndromes associated with periodontal disease

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify complex multimorbid conditions, including chronic conditions, functional limitations and geriatric syndromes, associated with the presence and severity of periodontal disease (PD), after accounting for a series of demographic and behavioural characteristics.DesignThis cross-sectional study used secondary data from a nationally representative sample, classification and regression tree analysis and random forest identified combinations of specific conditions constituting complex multimorbidity associated with the presence and severity of PD.SettingUS National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2013–2014).ParticipantsIndividuals 60 years of age or older who completed a periodontal examination.ResultsAmong 937 participants aged 60 and over, the prevalence of PD was 72.6%. PD was associated with sociodemographic factors and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living. Male sex and non-white race were the two most critical predictors of stage III/IV PD. Other important factors included age, education level and the federal poverty level.ConclusionsRather than chronic conditions or geriatric syndromes, PD was associated with sociodemographic factors and functional limitations. Accounting for the co-occurrence of sociodemographic and functional limitations will help recognise older adults who are at an increased vulnerability to the severity of PD.