Abstract
The oral health of older adults is an important factor affecting their overall health and quality of life. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of oral health of older adults living at home in rural areas and investigate factors affecting oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), especially oral dryness and oral health knowledge and behavior. A descriptive correlational study was conducted. In total, 117 participants were included in the final analysis. Data were collected using questionnaires for oral dryness, oral health knowledge and behavior, and OHRQoL. In addition, oral dryness was measured by mechanical measurements. Oral health knowledge was positively correlated with oral health behavior (r = 0.18, p = 0.029) and OHRQoL (r = 0.25, p = 0.003). In addition, a positive correlation between oral health behavior and OHRQoL (r = 0.24, p = 0.005) was observed. Multiple regression analysis revealed that subjective oral dryness (β = −4.99, p = 0.001) had a significant effect on OHRQoL. To improve OHRQoL in the rural elderly, health providers should pay attention to oral dryness and comprehensively evaluate it. The development of prevention programs and continuous education that can improve oral health knowledge and behavior is also required.
Highlights
This study aimed to provide a basis for developing interventions that can improve oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in this population
There were no significant differences in oral health knowledge and behavior and OHRQoL, according to gender or present illness
The variables significantly associated with OHRQoL in the univariate analysis were selected; age, education level, average monthly income, remaining teeth, subjective oral dryness, objective oral dryness, and oral health knowledge and behavior were the independent variables, and OHRQoL was the dependent variable
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being, and quality of life [1]. Oral health is very important for older adults, as it is closely related to mortality and systemic diseases [2,3,4]. Oral health problems in older adults adversely affect their lives and diminish quality of life; solving these problems is important
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