한국 성인의 저작 불편 호소율의 지역 간 격차와 관련 요인

Regional Disparities and Associated Factors of Chewing Difficulty among Korean Adults

Objectives: This study aimed to examine regional variations in chewing difficulty among Korean adults and to identify individual- and regional- level factors associated with this condition using data from the 2024 Community Health Survey. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 231,728 adults aged 19 years and older. A complex survey design was applied, and multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between chewing difficulty and sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviors, and regional contextual factors. Results: The overall prevalence of chewing difficulty was 13.0%, with significant regional differences. Older age, lower education and income, and unmet dental needs were associated with higher odds of chewing difficulty. At the regional level, lower social welfare expenditure was significantly related to chewing difficulty. Conclusions: Chewing difficulty in Korean adults is influenced by both individual and regional factors. Strategies to reduce chewing difficulty should focus on addressing socioeconomic inequalities, improving access to dental care, and strengthening community-level resources.