Factors Associated with Self‐reported Oral Health Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in a Rural Province of Thailand

Abstract

Background

Limited research has focused on self-reported oral health in older Thai individuals.

Objective

We explored the factors associated with self-reported oral health among older adults residing in rural Thailand.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included males and females aged ≥ 60 years living in Phon Thong district, Roi Et province, a rural area in northeast Thailand. This community-based study was conducted between May 2021 and December 2021. A trained interviewer administered a face-to-face interview questionnaire. Study data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-squared test, and binary logistic regression.

Results

In total, 249 older individuals completed the interviews. Most study participants were aged ≥ 67 years (55.8%), with a mean age of 66.92 years. Pearson’s chi-squared test showed statistically significant associations between self-reported oral health and age (P = 0.035) and chewing ability (P = 0.005). The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between self-reported poor oral health and older age (AOR = 0.290, 95% CI: 0.091–0.925) and chewing discomfort (AOR = 4.032, 95% CI:1.119–14.56). We observed no significant associations between self-reported oral health and sex, toothbrushing frequency, and speaking ability.

Conclusion

Younger respondents with chewing discomfort were more likely to self-report poor oral health. In rural areas, nonprofessional health providers can use a single-item self-reported oral health question as a simple tool for evaluating oral health status in the elderly. Moreover, dental health education programs are needed to help older individuals improve their oral self-care, access dental services, and achieve appropriate oral function. Such programs are essential for promoting good oral health in this population, particularly among “younger” elders.

Keywords:

• geriatric dentistry
• oral function
• oral health
• health promotion
• self‐reported oral health

Abbreviations

AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; IOC, item-objective congruence index.

Data Sharing Statement

Study data are available from the authors upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Acknowledgment

The authors thank all participants and contributing people who helped facilitate this research.

Disclosure

The authors have no financial or nonfinancial competing interests concerning this study.