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ABSTRACT: Introduction: Oral diseases are a significant global health issue, with over 3.5 billion cases worldwide. Caries and periodontitis are primary contributors to tooth loss, which not only incurs significant rehabilitation costs but also profoundly affects overall well-being. Tribal communities represent a notable indigenous segment, comprising 8.6% of India's total population, primarily concentrated in the central and western regions. This study assesses the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among the elderly Irula population by using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Methods: A cross-sectional research was undertaken in the Irula settlements of Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, focusing on inhabitants over 60 years who had lived there for at least 6 months. People who were chronically ill or who refused to agree were excluded. Data were gathered using a questionnaire that included demographic information, economic status, personal habits, and health issues. OHRQoL was evaluated using the GOHAI, and descriptive statistics such as range, mean, and standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables were used. To account for possible confounders such as age, education, and socioeconomic status, multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression. Results: This study results comprised mostly females (76.4%) and individuals aged 60–64 years (44.8%). Most participants were Hindu (94.1%), married (72.5%), and illiterate (61.9%). A majority lived in nuclear families (87.6%) and were agricultural laborers (60.0%). Many participants never experienced limitations in eating due to dental issues (64.0%). Gender, education, and physical comorbidities significantly influenced OHRQoL, with females and those with higher education reporting better quality of life. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant impact of oral health on the quality of life among the elderly Irula population. Factors such as gender, education, and physical comorbidities play crucial roles in OHRQoL. The findings highlight the need for targeted oral health interventions and further research to address disparities and improve oral health outcomes in this underserved population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to assess the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among the Irula tribes and to know the factors influencing quality of life among the elderly irula tribes of Tamil Nadu. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Northern district of Tamil Nadu, including 486 Irula individuals aged 65 and above. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, including the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to evaluate OHRQoL. The study tool covered demographics, medical history, and oral health issues. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with logistic regression applied to account for confounders. Results: The sample primarily consisted of individuals aged 65–69 years (55.6%), with a predominance of females (76.3%). The majority were Hindu (94.9%) and lived in nuclear families (88.3%). Educational levels were low, with 66.5% being illiterate. Most participants were agricultural laborers (64.6%) and had low monthly incomes. GOHAI results revealed that many respondents faced significant oral health challenges, including difficulties with eating, speaking, and discomfort. Multivariate analysis showed that educational level significantly affected OHRQoL, with higher education correlating with better quality of life. Arthritis was associated with poorer OHRQoL, while other health conditions did not show significant impacts. Conclusion: The study highlights severe oral health issues among the Irula community, with significant physical and psychological impacts. Educational attainment plays a crucial role in OHRQoL, while arthritis notably affects quality of life. The findings emphasize the need for targeted oral health interventions and increased awareness in tribal communities to improve overall health outcomes. Further research in larger populations is necessary to comprehensively understand and address geriatric oral health needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]