Development of Self-assessment Index for Oral Health in Elderly Based on Delphi Method

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2026.04.011

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To develop a culturally adaptable and clinically practical oral health self-assessment index for Chinese elderly, thereby filling the gap in localized assessment tools. Methods: An initial indicator pool was generated through systematic literature review and panel discussions. Multiple rounds of expert consultations were conducted using the Delphi method, involving 16 experts in preventive medicine and public health. Indicators were screened using the threshold method, and their weights were determined via the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Results: The finalized index comprises 5 primary indicators, 16 secondary indicators, and 28 tertiary indicators. The primary indicators (with weights) were: dental condition (32.6%), periodontal condition (28.9%), oral physiological function (15.6%), oral mucosal condition (12.6%), and oral habits (9.8%). The secondary indicators with the highest weights were number of teeth, gum condition, and oral odor. Conclusion: This index is scientific and practical, applicable to community screening, hospital pre-examination, and home self-testing. It facilitates the early identification of high-risk groups for oral frailty, provides a basis for intervention, and helps address the challenges of population aging.

Key words: Delphi method, aged, oral health, self-assessment scale

WU Junyi, TAI Baojun, JIANG Han, ZHANG Shuang, YU Kai, DU Minquan, LIU Chang. Development of Self-assessment Index for Oral Health in Elderly Based on Delphi Method[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2026, 42(4): 330-335.

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