Significant Influence of Family Support on Denture Utilization Among Elderly Individuals at Elderly School

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between family support and denture use among elderly individuals at the Tangguh Elderly School in Mojo Village, Surabaya City. Using an observational cross-sectional design, the study involved 60 elderly respondents and their accompanying family members. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires and direct observation of denture use, while statistical analysis employed the Chi-Square test with a significance level of 0.05. The findings revealed that more than half of the elderly respondents received low family support (53.3%), with smaller proportions reporting moderate (28.3%) and high support (18.3%). Denture utilization was also notably low, with only 11.7% of respondents using dentures despite experiencing tooth loss, whereas 88.3% did not use dentures. The Chi-Square analysis confirmed a significant association between family support and denture use (p = 0.000). Elderly individuals with high family support demonstrated substantially greater denture use (45.5%) compared to those with moderate support (11.8%), and none of the elderly with low support used dentures. These results underscore that family support is a critical determinant influencing denture-use behavior among older adults. Practically, the study highlights the need to actively involve families in oral health promotion and denture-related education to enhance awareness, motivation, and adherence among the elderly. Family-based interventions that integrate emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal support are recommended to optimize denture use and improve overall quality of life. Further research and community-driven programs are encouraged to strengthen the role of families in supporting oral health among the elderly.

Keywords: family support; denture use; elderly; oral health