Korean Longitudinal Study Of Aging Research Articles

Impact of Pain on Activities of Daily Living in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA).

Pain, particularly musculoskeletal (MSK) and multi-site pain, significantly impacts activities of daily living (ADL) in the elderly, leading to a decline in overall quality of life (QoL). This study, comprising 7490 participants, (mean age: 69 ± 10; females: 57%) from the sixth wave of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), aimed to assess the association between self-reported pain and ADL impairment among the elderly population. Notably, 62% of participants reported experiencing pain, with back pain being the most prevalent (36%) and stomachache the least (0.39%). A majority (61%) of individuals reported MSK-related pain. Additionally, 20% reported pain at one site and 0.03% experienced pain at 12 sites. ADL impairment was observed in 376 (5.0%) participants. Compared to those without pain, participants reporting moderate and severe pain had higher odds of ADL impairment [2.31 (95% CI, 1.66-3.21) and 2.98 (95% CI, 1.95-4.53), respectively]. Pain experienced in the shoulder, arm, wrist, back, hip, leg, and ankle had a significant association with ADL impairment, with ORs ranging from 2.66 (95% CI, 1.80-3.93; hip pain) to 1.36 (95% CI 1.07-1.72; back pain). Furthermore, multi-site pain was associated with higher ADL impairment [1-6 sites: OR: 1.49 (95% CI, 1.11-2.01); 7-12 sites: OR: 7.16 (95% CI, 3.60-14.26)]. These findings underscore the importance of addressing MSK and multi-site pain through targeted interventions, potentially enhancing ADL and contributing to an improved QoL among the elderly population.

Effects of Future Subjective Expectations on Cognitive Decline and Dementia among Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

This study investigated the impact of subjective expectations of the future (e.g., income, life expectancy, and national policies) on the onset of dementia and mild cognitive impairment by sex and age in middle-aged and older adults. The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) data from 2008 to 2020, comprising 4116 people above 45 years, were used. A time-series analysis and multiple panel logistic regression were conducted to highlight subjective expectation trends and their effect on dementia and mild cognitive impairment, respectively. Low subjective expectations of the future negatively affected cognitive impairment (total: odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.03) and dementia (total: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03-1.06), and those of national policies were the biggest risk factors for cognitive impairment (total: OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.12-1.22) and dementia (total: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07-1.13). Individuals about to retire and with low expectations of workability were more likely to develop cognitive impairment (total: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.02-1.06). Subjective expectations of economic downturn also caused cognitive impairment, especially in women (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.07) and early stage older adults (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10). Policymakers must consider the impact of changes in national policies and living environments on cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults.

COVID-19 and depressive symptoms among older adults in South Korea

This study analyzed the effects of COVID-19 and gender differences in depressive symptoms in older adults using data from the 7th (2018) and 8th (2020) surveys of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. A panel two-way-fixed effects model was used to control for individual fixed effects and time effects. A 0.1% point increase in the intensity of COVID-19 was associated with an average increase of 1.5 points out of 10 on the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, 10-item version (CES-D10) among older adults. The increase in depression was greater among women. Depressive factors due to COVID-19 among older adults are more likely to be related to negative emotions or interpersonal relationships than to physical and behavioral decline. Depression prevention policies for older adults should be informed by these gender differences. While older men require assistance with instrumental activities of daily living such as housework, meal preparation, etc., older women should be provided with online socialization opportunities to interact with others.

중고령 남성 은퇴자의 은퇴만족도 변화궤적 유형과 영향 요인

The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of retirement satisfaction trajectory and their associated factors among middle-aged and older male retirees using data from the 5th (2014) to 8th (2020) waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA). To this end, a three-step approach to the Latent Class Growth Model (LCGM) and multinomial logistic regression analysis were conducted on the sample of 543 male retirees over the age of 50 who responded that they had fully retired during the 5th to 8th waves. As a result of the analysis of the Latent Class Growth Model analysis, the retirement satisfaction of middle-aged and older male retirees was derived as 'high-level of retirement satisfaction maintaining type', 'increased retirement satisfaction type', and 'low-level of retirement satisfaction maintaining type'. The results of the multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that subjective economic status, frequency of social activities, subjective health status, and age significantly predicted the trajectories of retirement satisfaction, and in particular, it was found that those with high subjective economic status were more likely to belong to the high-level of retirement satisfaction maintaining type than the low-level of retirement satisfaction maintaining type or the increased retirement satisfaction type. This study examined the patterns of retirement satisfaction trajectory among middle-aged and older male retirees by subdividing them, and in particular discussed what level of preparation would be needed to prepare for their retirement.

노인의 사회경제수준, 만성질병 개수, 수단적 일상생활수행능력과 우울 간의 종단적 관계

The purpose of this paper was to examine the longitudinal changes in socioeconomic levels, the number of chronic diseases, instrumental activities of daily living (iADL), and depression among the elderly. The 6th (2016), 7th (2018), and 8th (2020) basic surveys of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) were used in the paper. The research hypotheses were supported through latent growth curve modeling. The results showed longitudinal changes in depression among the elderly. It was found that socioeconomic levels, the number of chronic diseases, and iADL had a significant effect on the intercept and slope of depression in the elderly, when socioeconomic levels affected depression, the number of chronic diseases and iADL showed mediating effects. Additionally, iADL had a mediating effect on the relationship between the number of chronic diseases and depression. Finally, the implications, limitations, and directions for future studies were discussed.

자녀가 부모에게 제공하는 조직적⋅재무적 살림살이의 관계 연구

This study aims to elucidate the influence of sharing organizational housekeeping provided by adult children to their parents on sharing financial housekeeping, and to examine how this relationship theoretically and empirically varies with parental assets. Financial housekeeping sharing refers to the partial or complete use of household income by members together, while organizational housekeeping sharing can be defined as sharing food, having meals together, and sharing living spaces. To derive hypotheses, this study developed theoretical models on financial and organizational housekeeping sharing and their relationship with maximizing utility in households with children. Analysis was conducted using data from the 7th (2018) and 8th (2020) waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. The main findings of this study are as follows. First, as assets increase, sharing financial housekeeping decreases. Second, when organizational housekeeping support reaches a certain level, an increase in such share leads to a decrease in sharing financial housekeeping. Third, higher parental assets result in a diminishing negative influence of amount of sharing organizational housekeeping on that of sharing financial housekeeping. The analysis results suggest that as adult children provide more non-monetary resources to parents, the amount of financial resources they provide decreases. However, when parents have substantial assets, there seems to be little substitution effect between organizational housekeeping sharing and financial househousekeeping sharing. Based on the empirical analysis results, this study suggests the need to expand the criteria for recognizing parental support in income redistribution policies to include cases where households, despite not cohabiting, share financial and organizational housekeeping and jointly manage their livelihoods.

The asymmetric effects of improving and declining marital satisfaction on cognitive function

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines the association between marital satisfaction and cognitive function, while distinguishing between the effects of improving and declining marital satisfaction. Moreover, potential differences in these asymmetric effects of marital satisfaction between middle‐aged and older adults are explored.BackgroundMarital satisfaction is known to promote cognitive function. However, previous studies have assumed that the effects of improving and declining marital satisfaction are symmetrical.MethodUsing seven waves of data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging 2006–2018 (N = 7407), we employ a novel asymmetric fixed effects model to estimate the effects of improving and declining marital satisfaction separately. Stratified analyses were conducted by age group and gender.ResultsThe association between declining marital satisfaction and cognitive function (b = −0.292, p < .001) was stronger than the association between improving marital satisfaction and cognitive function (b = 0.102, p < .001). These asymmetric effects were predominantly driven by older adults. The effect of declining marital satisfaction on cognitive function was significantly greater for older adults than middle‐aged adults (−0.395 vs. −0.148). We did not find gender differences.ConclusionFindings suggest that the negative impact of declining marital satisfaction on cognitive function outweighs the positive effects of improving marital satisfaction, especially among older adults. Reducing marital dissatisfaction and fostering healthy marital relationships are crucial strategies to promote the cognitive well‐being of older adults.

Urban-Rural Differences in Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Related Factors Among Older Adults: Findings from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging

Purpose: Many studies exist on factors associated with depressive symptoms in urban and rural older adults; however, studies using a longitudinal design are scarce. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their associated risk factors over time between urban and rural areas using a longitudinal sample of Korean older adults. Methods: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2020) of older adult participants ≥65 years without depressive symptoms were analyzed. A generalized estimating equation model was employed for repeated measures analysis. Results: As the time of living in the area increased, the prevalence risk of depressive symptoms in older adults increased in urban areas compared to rural areas in adjusted Model 2. In urban areas, less social contact with neighbors was significantly associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms. In rural areas, occasional social contact with children was significantly associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was associated with five components of successful aging with some variations observed based on urban and rural residential areas. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that understanding the longitudinal impact of residence on depressive symptoms provides valuable insights into the relationship between urban/rural areas and depressive symptoms. This study highlights the need for nursing intervention efforts aimed at promoting successful aging and increasing social contact with children or neighbors.

Social isolation and depression as risk factors for weight loss of 5kg or more among older Korean adults.

Given a well-known overlapping prevalence of social isolation with loneliness and depression among older adults, this study aimed to contextually investigate the relationship of these constructs with weight loss of more than 5kg in a year, with a special focus on the intersection of living alone and marital dissolution as key dimensions of isolation. The data were obtained from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018, with an adult sample of those aged 65 and older (n = 5,481). The study evaluated several critical dimensions of social isolation: living alone, transition to living alone, infrequent social contact with children or friends, and infrequent social participation. These dimensions were examined individually and as a composite scale, along with loneliness and depressive symptoms, to determine their association with weight loss of 5kg or greater among older men and women. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) regression models enabled investigation of whether socially isolated men and women tended to lose 5kg or more in weight, given other confounding factors. Surprisingly, the results showed no evidence of such a trend. However, significant associations were found between weight loss and changes in living alone and marital status. For older men, transitioning to living alone without a change in marital status was linked to significant weight loss. For older women, transitioning to living alone following widowhood or divorce was the risk factor. These relationships remained significant even after adjusting for depression and a wide range of covariates. Additional analysis testing a cumulative effect revealed that only depression was a risk factor for being underweight at the last observation. Therefore, to prevent a clinically risky extent of weight loss, health policies for older Koreans should focus on those who transition to living alone, especially due to spousal bereavement or divorce (among women) and separation from living with children (among men).

Cumulative Exposure to Social Isolation and Longitudinal Changes in Life Satisfaction among Older Adults

This study examines the longitudinal association between cumulative exposure to social isolation and life satisfaction and whether this association differs by gender. Using seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from 2006 to 2018 (3,543 adults aged 65 or older), fixed effects models were estimated. Cumulative social isolation was longitudinally associated with a decline in life satisfaction in older adults. Gender-specific analyses revealed that older women exposed to cumulative social isolation continued to experience a decline in life satisfaction up to the fourth and subsequent waves of exposure (relative to the initial wave in which there was no social isolation; b = −13.038, p < .001). In contrast, a decline in life satisfaction associated with cumulative social isolation was less pronounced among older men ( b = −6.200 for the fourth and subsequent waves of exposure, p < .05). Cumulative social isolation can be a persistent risk factor for life satisfaction in older adults, particularly older women. The study’s findings hold important implications for programs aimed at reducing social isolation and improving psychological well-being among older adults.

Joint Association of Hard of Hearing and Handgrip Strength with Falls in the Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging

Joint Association of Hard of Hearing and Handgrip Strength with Falls in the Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging

Perceived social position, active engagement with life, and depressive symptoms among older adults

RationaleDespite the existing literature on the relationship between perceived social position (PSP) and depressive symptoms, there remain gaps in our understanding, particularly regarding the potential for asymmetric effects of increases and decreases in PSP and the underlying mechanisms involved. ObjectiveThis study aims to examine whether increases and decreases in PSP are differentially associated with depressive symptoms and to explore the potential mediating role of active engagement with life in these associations. MethodsThis study utilized data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), collected between 2008 and 2018, involving a sample of 3506 individuals aged 65 or older. Asymmetric fixed effects (FE) models were employed, which enable the estimation of differential effects for increases and decreases in PSP, while accounting for unobserved individual-level heterogeneity. To assess the mediating role of active engagement in life, Sobel mediation tests were conducted. ResultsThe asymmetric FE estimates revealed a stronger association between decreases in PSP and increases in depressive symptoms compared to the association between increases in PSP and decreases in depressive symptoms. The Sobel mediation tests indicated that formal social activities had the most substantial mediating effect, explaining 14% and 9% of the total effect mediated for increased and decreased PSP and depressive symptoms, respectively. Leisure/hobby activities explained 10% and 4% of the total effect mediated for increased and decreased PSP and depressive symptoms, respectively. ConclusionThis study provides evidence that increases and decreases in PSP have differential effects on depressive symptoms among older adults in Korea. Policy interventions aimed at improving the psychological well-being of older adults should prioritize efforts to both enhance PSP and minimize declines, as the latter can have a stronger negative impact on depressive symptoms. Active engagement in life may serve as a potential pathway for achieving the desired effects.

Effect of intensity of persistent social isolation on mental health in the late middle-aged and older population: results of the Korea Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2006-2020).

Social isolation (SI) was recently identified as a significant public health issue in the United States. Consequently, several studies on the association between SI and mental health were conducted. However, few studies have considered the duration and intensity of SI. In the present study, a longitudinal analysis was conducted to determine the effect of the intensity of persistent SI on the mental health status of late middle-aged and older Koreans. After excluding missing values, data on 6200 participants were analyzed using the group-based trajectory model (GBTM) from the first to fifth Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) to categorise the SI trajectory (SIT). The Chi-square test, t-test, analysis of variance, and time-lagged generalised estimation equations were utilised from the fifth to eighth KLoSA to determine the association between SIT and the incidence of cognitive decline (the group with a Korean version Mini-Mental State Examination score of 23 or lower), cognitive function score, and depression score. Four SIT groups were identified in the GBTM analysis. These were the non-SIT (21.7%), mild (46.8%), moderate (21.1%), and severe SIT (10.4%) groups. Compared to the non-SIT group, the severe SIT group experienced a greater incidence of cognitive decline (odds ratio = 1.57, P < 0.0001) as well as poorer cognitive function scores (B = -0.63, P < 0.0001) and depression scores (B = 0.90, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, stratified analysis by sex and age showed that mental health status was inversely proportionate to the intensity of SIT, particularly in males and patients, aged 65 years and above. A close association was observed between SIT and mental health. This finding highlighted the need for policies and institutional measures to reduce the incidence of mental health deterioration among vulnerable groups due to the intensity of SI.

Intergenerational solidarity in a developing welfare state: The case of South Korea

AbstractWith our analysis of the Korean society we intend to make an innovative contribution to research on intergenerational solidarity by examining how the introduction of welfare policies has changed patterns of intergenerational solidarity. Using aggregated data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, the Korean General Social Survey, and the Korean Social Survey, we examine the changing character of intergenerational solidarity by focusing on national trends in both societal practice and intergenerational norms from 2002 to 2018. Our findings show that patterns of Korean intergenerational solidarity have modified in various respects. The normative dimension of the familial/filial contract has profoundly changed along with the developing welfare state, shifting from a dominantly filial piety‐centric character to more complementarity contract‐based norms in which children, welfare state and society are all assigned responsibility for the well‐being of parents. Intergenerational “functional” solidarity, however, in terms of the exchange of money and practical support has not de‐filialized.

Effects of physical activity participation on cognitive impairment in older adults population with disabilities.

Existing research on the association between cognitive function and physical activity in the older adults population with disabilities is limited. Additionally, there is a need to explore avenues for enhancing the longevity and quality of life among these individuals. This study aimed to investigate the independent and joint associations between cognitive function and levels of physical activity in the older adults population with disabilities. A total of 315 older adults adults (men = 182, women = 133), identified with disabilities based on medical evaluation, were recruited from the first survey of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Participants underwent assessments for cognitive function, physical activity (PA), activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and grip strength. ADLs (p < 0.001) and IADLs (p < 0.001) scores were significantly higher in the male normal cognitive group compared to both the male and female cognitive impairment groups. In an unadjusted model, disabled older adults individuals who did not meet the recommended PA guidelines showed an increased odds ratio for cognitive dysfunction (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.32-3.97). Those participating in PA at least 1 day per week also demonstrated an elevated odds ratio (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08-1.38) for cognitive dysfunction compared to those who engaged in regular PA. A negative correlation was observed between K-MMSE scores and grip strength (r = 0.448, p < 0.001). This study provides robust evidence that disabled older adults individuals who do not meet the recommended guidelines for PA or who do not participate in PA at least once a week have an increased likelihood of cognitive impairment compared to those who are regularly active.

Regional differences in the effects of healthy aging on depressive symptoms: a Korean longitudinal study of aging (2006-2020).

Depression is a widely prevalent, often recurrent condition. To analyze the regional differences in depressive symptoms over time, we investigated urban-rural differences in change in depression over time in South Korea and the association between healthy aging and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Data collected in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, from 2006 to 2020, of adult participants aged ≥45 years without depressive symptoms were analyzed. Healthy aging was defined under five principal components: absence of chronic disease, good physical function, normal cognitive function, active social engagement, and good psychological adaptation. Depressive symptoms were measured using the short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Using the Andersen-Gill model for recurrent time-to-event, we examined the effect of healthy aging on depressive symptoms, with a subgroup analysis based on the residential area. Of the 7,708 participants, 78.2% lived in urban areas and 39.4% achieved healthy aging. In 2008, rural residents had a higher incidence of depressive symptoms (rural 11.8%; urban 8.9%); however, after 2016, the depressive symptoms of urban residents gradually increased (rural 6.4%; urban 12.1%). Unhealthy aging (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval: 2.72-3.39) and urban residence (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.24) were risk factors for depressive symptoms. The subgroup analysis revealed that individuals who did not achieve healthy aging had an increased risk of depressive symptoms, regardless of their residential area (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: urban, 3.13 [2.75-3.55]; rural 2.59 [2.05-3.28]). As urbanization accelerates, urban residents have a higher risk of depressive symptoms than rural residents. Healthy aging is an essential factor in reducing depressive symptoms. To achieve healthy aging, appropriate interventions and policies that target the middle-aged adults and gradually extend to older adults are needed, considering individual and regional factors.

Changes in instrumental activities daily living limitations and their associated factors according to gender in community-residing older adults: A longitudinal cohort study.

Increases in dependence among older adults cause increases in care needs and social care burden. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are often used to assess the independence of older adults residing in communities. Various factors affect IADL limitations, but few studies confirm gender differences in IADL limitations in older adults. This study explored the changes in incidence of IADL limitations across 14 years and identified the factors associated with IADL limitations according to gender among older adults in Korea. This study uses secondary data analysis with 2006-2020 data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), a longitudinal cohort study. Among the total 10,254 participants, 1,230 adults aged 65 years and over who met the criteria were included in the final analysis. For each IADL item, a limitation was defined when the response was partial or complete dependence. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the factors (in 2006) associated with IADL limitations in 2020. The mean age of the participants at baseline was 69.64 years (SD 3.93), and 61.0% of participants were female. Total scores for IADL limitations increased gradually across 14 years in all participants, and observed changes were statistically significant. The top three ranked items of IADL limitations differed according to gender in 2020: the top limitations in men were preparing meals, laundry, and using public transportation, and the top limitations in women were using public transportation, going out, and handling money. Factors associated with total IADL limitations were grip strength in men and age, dementia, fear of fall, and grip strength in women. Factors associated with the top three ranked items of IADL limitations differed according to gender. The incidence of IADL limitations gradually increased in all participants over a 14-year period. In older adults in Korea, gender differences were confirmed in the factors associated with IADL limitations, as well as in the main limited activities. To minimize IADL limitations in community-residing older adults, it is necessary to plan tailored interventions.

Particulate matters (PM2.5, PM10) and the risk of depression among middle-aged and older population: analysis of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), 2016–2020 in South Korea

BackgroundThere is a growing concern that particulate matter (PM) such as PM2.5 and PM10 has contributed to exacerbating psychological disorders, particularly depression. However, little is known about the roles of these air pollutants on depression in elderly. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between PM2.5 and PM10, and depression in the elderly population in South Korea.MethodsWe used panel survey data, the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), administered by the Labor Institute during the study period of 2016, 2018, and 2020 covering 217 districts in South Korea (n = 7674). Annual district-specific PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were calculated for the study period from the monthly prediction concentrations produced by a machine-learning-based ensemble model (cross-validated R2: 0.87), then linked to the people matching with year and their residential district. We constructed a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model with a logit link to identify the associations between each of the long-term PM2.5 and PM10 exposures and depression (CES-D 10) after adjusting for individual and regional factors as confounders.ResultsIn single-pollutant models, we found that long-term 10 mathrm{mu g}/{m}^{3} increments in PM2.5 (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.20–1.56) and PM10 (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10–1.29) were associated with an increased risk of depression in the elderly. Associations were consistent after adjusting for other air pollutants (NO2 and O3) in two-pollutant models. In addition, the impacts substantially differed by regions grouped by the tertile of the population density, for which the risks of particulate matters on depression were substantial in the middle- or high-population-density areas in contrast to the low-population-density areas.ConclusionsLong-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with a higher risk of developing depression in elderly people. The impact was modified by the population density level of the region where they reside.

Types of Social Engagement Among Older Cancer Survivors and the Effect on Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction: A Latent Class Analysis.

To identify an empirical typology of social engagement and its association with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction among older cancer survivors. This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Latent class analysis was used to categorize social engagement types. Hierarchical regression analysis then investigated the impact of older cancer survivors' social engagement on depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Three classes were identified as follows: a religiously centered group, a diverse social participation group, and a passive participation group. Hierarchical regression indicated that the depressive symptoms of the diverse social participation group were significantly lower than those of the passive participation group (β = -0.157, p = 0.002). There was no significant effect on life satisfaction. This study enhances the understanding of engagement patterns and serves as a reference for older cancer survivors who need support.

Determinants of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Older People with Diabetes Mellitus: A Secondary Analysis of the 8th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) Dataset

Purpose : This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the factors that influence the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) using the 8th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) dataset. Methods : This secondary analysis utilized the 8th KLoSA dataset from 2020, with a study sample of 1,144 older adults with DM. Dependent variable: OHRQoL; independent variables categorized into socio-demographic, oral health-related, and health-related characteristics. Complex Samples General Linear Model and Bonferroni correction in IBM SPSS/Win 26.0 were employed for assessing factors influencing OHRQoL. Results : The average OHRQoL was 33.96±0.28 points out of 60. Factors influencing OHRQoL included subjective health status (good: t＝3.00, p＝.003; moderate: t＝4.38, p＜.001), wearing dentures (yes) (t＝ -2.89, p＝.004), having heart disease (t＝-2.50, p＝.013), having arthritis (t＝-2.19, p＝.028), and experiencing depression (t＝-4.28, p＜.001). These factors explained approximately 20% of OHRQoL in older adults with DM. Conclusion : To enhance OHRQoL in older adults with DM, it is crucial to consider psychological factors such as depression in the development of continuous oral health management programs. Additional factors to consider include effective denture management and chronic disease conditions.