Factors Related to Subjective Oral Health Level of the Elderly

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of oral care behavior, oral health care self-efficacy, and social support on the subjective oral health level of the elderly. The data survey was conducted from September 17, 2019 to November 22, 2019 for the elderly living in Daejeon Metropolitan City and parts of Chungcheongnam-do, and the collected data were analyzed by χ2 -test, Pearson correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis. As a result of the survey, subjective oral health level increased by 3.242 times when dentures were not used and 2.339 times when the number of brushings per day was 3 or more times. In addition, as the oral health care self-efficacy and social support increased 1.755 times and 1.192 times, respectively, the subjective oral health level also increased. Based on the above results, in order to improve the subjective oral health level of the elderly, opportunities for oral health education such as denture care methods and toothbrushing lessons should be expanded. In addition, there is a need to prepare policies to reinforce oral health care self-efficacy and social support.