노인요양시설 거주 노인의 구강건강상태와 건강 관련 삶의 질과의 관계

Relationship between Oral Health Status and Health Related Quality of Life in Elderly People Living in Long-Term Care Facilities

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between oral health status and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly people living in long-term care facilities. Methods: The study was conducted on 81 elderly people who were capable of communicating and were residing in a long-term care facility in Cheonan City. Individual interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. The relationship between oral health and HRQoL was analyzed. Results: The odds ratio (OR) of having a mobility problem was 4.19 for respondents with a chewing problem and 4.20 for respondents with a pronunciation problem. The OR of having a ‘usual activity’ problem was 5.93 for respondents with a chewing problem and 7.56 for respondents with a pronunciation problem. The OR of having pain/discomfort was 4.32 for respondents with toothache, 5.41 for respondents with a chewing problem, and 6.94 for respondents with a pronunciation problem. The OR of having anxiety/depression was 3.77 for respondents with poorly perceived oral health status, 3.61 for respondents with toothache, 9.20 for respondents with a chewing problem, 6.61 for respondents with a pronunciation problem. Conclusions: Among the elderly living in long-term care facilities, the EQ-5D components representing HRQoL were associated with oral health status. Medical institutions should pay more attention to the oral health of elderly people living in elderly care facilities. A national system should also be developed to improve the oral health and quality of life of the elderly. Further longitudinal study is needed to determine the detailed causal relationships between oral health status and HRQoL.