한국 노인의 치아 스케일링이 구강건강 관련 지표에 미치는 영향에서 건강정보이해능력의 매개효과: 2023년도 국민건강영양조사자료를 활용한 단면조사연구

The Mediating Effect of Health Information Literacy on the Dental Scaling and Oral Health Index of Korean Elderly Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Data from the 2023 National Health and Nutrition Survey

Objectives: This study examined the mediating effect of health information literacy on the relationship between dental scaling and oral health status in Korean elderly individuals. Methods: Data from the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2023) were analyzed. Of the questionnaires completed by 5,232 respondents, those from 1,076 individuals aged 65 years or older were included in the final examination. Results: Older adults who had undergone dental scaling in the year prior to the survey brushed their teeth with significantly greater frequency, had more remaining natural teeth, and exhibited better prosthetic status and denture needs compared with those who were not subjected to the procedure. Health information literacy exerted a partial mediating effect on the relationship between scaling experience and oral health status. Conclusions: Health information literacy partially mediates the relationship between scaling experience and oral health status. Therefore, regular dental scaling and improved health information literacy are crucial for maintaining favorable oral health in older adults