Abstract
The aim was to examine the association between oral health-related quality of life and loneliness and perceived as well as objective social isolation. Data were used from a nationally representative survey with n = 3075 (late Summer 2021). The established Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G5) was used to quantify oral health-related quality of life. Moreover, established tools were used to quantify the outcome measures (De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale, Bude/Lantermann scale and Lubben Social Network Scale). It was adjusted for several covariates in regression analysis. Linear regressions showed that low oral health-related quality of life is associated with higher loneliness (B = 0.03, p < 0.001), higher perceived social isolation (B = 0.06, p < 0.001) and higher objective social isolation (B = 0.07, p < 0.05). Further regressions were performed (e.g., stratified by denture usage). Our study stressed the importance of low oral health-related quality of life for loneliness and social isolation (both perceived and objective). This knowledge is important to address individuals at risk. Future studies should clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Highlights
Academic Editors: Kelvin Afrashtehfar and Paul B
Regressions showed that low oral health-related quality of life is associated with higher loneliness (B = 0.03, p < 0.001), higher perceived social isolation (B = 0.06, p < 0.001)
Regressions showed that low oral health-related quality of life is associated with higher loneliness, higher perceived social isolation and higher objective social isolation
Summary
Academic Editors: Kelvin Afrashtehfar and Paul B. Loneliness, perceived social isolation and objective social isolation are gaining increasing awareness in the focus of research and the public— in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where social distancing is a main challenge. These aforementioned social needs are associated with subsequent morbidity and mortality [1,2]—which underlines the importance of these factors. Various studies have identified the determinants of loneliness, perceived social isolation and objective social isolation [1,2] Such determinants include sociodemographic factors, lifestyle-related, psychological and health-related factors [3,4,5,6]
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