Gender differences in the association between oral health literacy and oral health-related quality of life in older adults

Abstract

Background Poor oral health affects quality of life; oral health literacy studies are increasing as it plays an essential role in promoting oral health. However, little is known regarding the gender differences in oral health literacy and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older adults. This study aimed to explore the gender differences in oral health literacy and OHRQoL among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. Methods A cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling was undertaken to recruit participants at two community service centres. Data were collected using a structured survey consisted of the demographic characteristics, instrumental activities of daily living, nutrition assessment, oral health literacy and OHRQoL. The logistic regression was used to examine the gender differences in the relationship between oral health literacy and OHRQoL. Results A total of 202 participants completed the survey. Of which 56.4% (n = 114) were female. Logistic regression analyses showed that after controlling for age, instrumental activities of daily living, nutrition, education level, and average monthly income, better oral health literacy was associated with better oral health quality of life (p = 0.006) in men. Conclusions The relationship between oral health literacy and OHRQoL was only significant for men. No significant relationship between women’s oral health literacy and their OHRQoL. However, good OHRQoL is an integral part of overall health, but it is affected by differences in oral health and the accessibility of healthcare services. We suggest that gender-specific oral health literacy education should be offered through community health-education programs.

The Status, Need, and Influence of Dental Prosthetics on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in the Geriatric Population: An Epidemiological Survey

“…Analyzing OHRQoL scores, which represent a person’s degree of well-being, is helpful for determining the potential effects of oral problems [ 29 ]. OHRQoL is a self-reported indicator of a patient’s current and recent health.…”

The relationship between oral health status, loneliness, and sleep quality among the migrant elderly following children in Weifang, Shandong Province, China: A comparative analysis on different migration types

“…Previous studies also indicated that oral diseases in older people may cause mental impairment ( 20 ), such as cognitive decline ( 21 ), emotional challenges ( 22 ), and reduced daily activities ( 23 ). Rouxel et al noted that oral health was an individual risk factor for loneliness in older people, including oral diseases and tooth losses, which significantly influences the quality of life and wellbeing among older people ( 15 ).…”

Factors in oral-related quality of life of betel quid users receiving oral mucosal screening: a cross‑sectional study in Taiwan

“…Lower OHRQoL may negatively impact eating, speaking, daily life, and social interaction [ 17 ]. Lower OHRQoL is also associated with younger age [ 18 ], being man [ 19 ], lower educational level [ 20 ], less social economic status [ 21 ], more dental caries, more severe periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene care [ 22 ], poor health status [ 23 ], and psychological impairment [ 24 ]. The biopsychosocial model for OHRQoL proposed by Wilson and Cleary [ 25 ] and Ferrans [ 26 ] posits that unfavorable personal characteristics, environmental factors, physical, social, and psychosocial functioning generate negative health perceptions and result in worse OHRQoL.…”

“…According to this model, we propose that OHRQoL is affected by personal characteristics (educational level), environmental factors (annual family income), physical (chronic disease and oral health status), social, and psychosocial functioning (anxiety and BQD). Of the few studies that have explored this topic, most have researched populations in Western Asia [ 10 , 11 ], northern India [ 24 ], South Asia [ 12 ], older adults [ 18 , 19 , 21 ], and patients with diabetes [ 23 ]. Therefore, the aims of this study are, in BQ users receiving oral mucosal screening, (1) to investigate the levels of oral health, anxiety, BQD, and OHRQoL; and (2) to examine the factors (e.g., educational level, annual family income, chronic disease, oral health status, anxiety, and BQD) associated with OHRQoL.…”