Relationship between Oral Health Behavior and Happiness Index in Elderly People

Lee, Hyun Ok; Park, Ji Young

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between oral health behaviors and in senior citizens to determine how to improve their happiness index. The subjects in this study were 260 senior citizens aged 65 years or older, who resided in North Jeolla Province. A survey was conducted from June 17 to 30, 2016. The happiness index of elderly people who brushed their teeth more often and had dental checkups on a regular basis was significantly higher (p<0.05). Evaluation of subfactors associated with quality of life related to oral health showed significant differences in functional disturbances according to gender, age, the presence or absence of a spouse, and the use or nonuse of dentifrice (p<0.05). Physical pain significantly varied with the presence or absence of a spouse, educational level, monthly mean allowance, and regular dental checkups (p<0.05); significant differences were found in psychological discomfort according to gender, tooth brushing frequency, and regular dental checkups (p<0.05). There were significant differences in declining physical capacity according to gender, age, educational level, and monthly mean allowance (p<0.05); waning mental capacity significantly differed with age, living alone or with another person, the presence or absence of a spouse, and regular dental checkups (p<0.05). The factors that influenced the happiness index in senior citizens were age, living alone or with another person, educational level, monthly mean allowance and the Oral Health Impact Profile score (p<0.05). The study showed that measures are needed to improve the quality of life and happiness index in elderly people, including the development of oral health programs for this population.