노인의 구강건강관련 삶의 질과 요인분석

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in oral health-related quality of life among elderly people aged over 65 years, in terms of physical, mental and oral health status and to analyze factors affecting their oral health-related quality of life. Methods: From May 9 to June 23, 2017, we randomly visited aged-care community centers in the metropolitan area, and recruited 222 elderly, aged 65 or older. First, each participant completed a questionnaire consisting of 4 general items: 1 systematic disease, and 3 subjective oral conditions. Afterwards, the researchers interviewed the participants to assess their mental status, using MMSE-DS and recorded the responses. Finally, an oral examination was performed to determine the number of remaining teeth. The average oral health-related quality of life according to each characteristic was analyzed by t-test and ANOVA. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis were used to analyze the correlations between factors and the factors affecting oral health-related quality of life. Results: The mean oral health-related quality of life was 4.15. Participants with 20 or more remaining teeth demonstrated better oral health-related quality of life than those with 19 or less teeth. Higher oral health-related quality of life was also found among elderly without gingival bleeding, self-reported halitosis and dry mouth. In addition, positive correlation with the number of remaining teeth and negative correlation with gingival bleeding, self-reported halitosis and dry mouth, were noted. Finally, the results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that remaining teeth, gingival bleeding, self-reported halitosis and education were influential factors in determining the oral health-related quality of life among the elderly. Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed the necessity of better policy support, and the importance of implementing delivered, elderly-centered oral health education program by professionals to prevent tooth loss and manage periodontal diseases.