Correlation Analysis between Self-perceived Oral Health and Self-perceived General Health among Adults in China.

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the correlation between self-perceived oral health (SPOH) and selfperceived general health (SPGH) and the influencing factors.

Methods: In this study, we collected sociodemographic information and details about SPOH and SPGH status for Chinese adults (≥ 18 years), and a total of 2233 people were included. The data were analysed using SPSS software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) with a chi-square test and binary logistic regression.

Results: In total, 43.4% of adults' self-perceived oral health was at a "good" level and 57.9% of adults' self-perceived general health was at a "good" level. The SPOH was correlated with SPGH (r = 0.593, P < 0.001). Good SPOH was associated with younger age, no dentures, no smoking, brushing teeth twice or more a day, periodontal health, no malocclusion and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) ≤ 12. Good SPGH was associated with younger age, higher educational level, no dentures, no smoking, brushing teeth twice or more a day, periodontal health, no malocclusion and DMFT ≤ 12.

Conclusion: SPOH and SPGH are correlated with each other, and greater attention should be paid to oral health to promote general health.