(Abstract)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between oral health status and socio-demographic characteristics, general and oral health behaviors, diet habits and perceived general health status among the elderly in Pohang,...
(Abstract)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between oral health status and socio-demographic characteristics, general and oral health behaviors, diet habits and perceived general health status among the elderly in Pohang, Gyeongbuk. All 464 subjects of age 60 or more selected using convenience sampling method were surveyed cross-sectionally with the self-administrated questionnaire. Data for this study were obtained by four trained interviewers during the period of 1 month(February, 2006). The questionnaire consisted of 56 items with likert scale which measured perceived general health(SF-36), diet habits and perceived oral health status, also collected socio-demographic characteristics and general and oral health behaviors. Bivariate analyses were conducted such as chi-square test, t-test and one-way ANOVA for crude association. Multiple regression analysis, were then, applied to assess the associations among oral health status and socio-demographic characteristics, general and oral health behaviors, diet habit and perceived general health status. The obtained results were as follows:
1. The self-consciousness of oral health was significantly different depending on education level, family, residence area and income. The number of the remaing tooth was significantly different depending on age, education level, family, resident area and income. The perceived oral health status was significantly different depending on family, resident area and income.
2. Significant difference was detected for self-consciousness of oral health depending on medication, smoking status, toothbrushing frequency and periodic scaling. Significant difference was also detected for number of tooth according to toothbrushing frequency and periodic dental screening. Significant differences was also found in perceived oral health status; medication, smoking status, toothbrushing frequency and dental visit.
3. The better the as perceived general health status and diet habits were the better, the self-consciousness of oral health and perceived oral health status were, respectively.
4. Factors such as gender, medication, toothbrushing frequency, perceived general health status and diet habits were positively associated with the self-consciousness of oral health. Age, income and dental visit were also significantly associated with the number of the remaining tooth. Residence area, income, toothbrushing frequency, periodic scaling, perceived general health status and diet habits were positively associated with the self-consciousness of oral health.