Evaluation of Sublingual Varices Prevalence and Its Respective Factors in Two Iranian Nursing Homes in ۲۰۱۹

Introduction:Sublingual varices (SLVs) are among the most prevalent oral lesions, which develop with aging. We aimed to find the prevalence of SLVs among seniors in two nursing homes and evaluate the possible linked factors.Materials and Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Kahrizak Alborz and Rasy Allah Razi Al-Waledain nursing homes in ۲۰۱۹. The list of all seniors over ۶۰ years old was prepared then; after explaining the aim of the study and obtaining their consent, a well-trained senior dentistry student examined them for the presence of SLVs. At the same time, factors, including age, gender, smoking, oral prosthesis, leg varices, high blood pressure, and literacy level, were recorded. The role of each feature was analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS (version ۲۲; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).Results:The study performed on ۴۷۸ nursing home residents showed an SLVs' prevalence of ۵۶.۷% (۹۵% confidence interval (CI): ۵۲.۳- ۶۰). SLVs were significantly correlated with gender (P<۰.۰۰۱), age P<۰.۰۱), smoking status (P<۰.۰۰۱), complete denture usage (P<۰.۰۱), and leg varicosity status (P<۰.۰۰۰۱).Conclusions:It appears that SLVs are highly prevalent in senior adults. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the possible presence of SLVs and avoid unnecessary interventions. 

کلیدواژه ها:

Age factors ، Cross-sectional study ، Hypertension ، dentures ، Sublingual varices ، Oral Health ، Preventive health services ، Smoking ، Geriatrics