The Effects of Health and Unmet Dental Care Needs on the Health-Related Quality of Life in Korea Older Adults: A Nationwide Study

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between oral health, unmet dental needs and health-related quality of life in South Korea older adults. Methods: The present study used raw data from the 2019~2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and analyzed 4956 participants aged over 65 yr. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used for associations between oral health, unmet dental needs, and HRQoL. Results: The EQ-5D index differed according to tooth pain, chewing difficulty, speaking problem, subjective oral health status, oral examination, and unmet dental care needs (P<0.001). In the model 2, male, under 75 yr of age, high school graduate or higher, employed, living with a spouse, no stress, good subjective health status, no speaking problem, and no unmet dental care needs were associated with higher EQ-5D index (Adj R2 = 27.6%, P<0.001). Conclusion: To improve the HRQoL of older adults in South Korea, oral health problems need to be minimized through oral disease prevention and oral health education programs.