Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between oral health status and socio-demographic characteristics, general and oral health behaviors, diet habit and perceived general health status among the elderly in Pohang city. Methods: All 464 subjects aged 60 or more selected using convenience sampling were surveyed cross-sectionally via the self-administrated questionnaire during February, 2006. The questionnaire consisted of 56 items with likert scale which was measured perceived general health(SF-36), diet habits and perceived oral health status, also collected socio-demographic characteristics and oral health behaviors. Multiple regression analysis were applied to assess the associations between oral health status and socio-demographic characteristics, oral health behaviors, diet habit and perceived general health status. Results: The self-conscious of oral health and the perceived oral health were significantly different according to the education level, a person living together with one, resident area and income, and also significantly different according to the toothbrushing frequency, periodic scaling and dental visit. As perceived general health status and diet habits were better, the self-conscious of oral health and perceived oral health status were better, respectively. The perceived general health status and diet habits were positively associated with the self-conscious of oral health and perceived oral health. Conclusions: This study suggests that perceived general health and diet habits are significantly associated with oral health among the elderly. The findings of this study will be helpful to policy makers to design plans to increase the oral health related quality of life among the elderly.