Dental services utilization, oral status, and oral health-related quality of life among Thai elderly: data from the eight Thailand national oral health survey

Abstract

The number of older adults in Thailand is currently increasing. To create the appropriate oral health service for them requires understanding the associations between dental service utilization (DSU), oral status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The objectives of this study were to examine the associations of DSU and oral status with OHRQoL and to examine the associations between social backgrounds and DSU in Thai older adults. Data on 4,130 Thai older adults from the 8th Thailand National Oral Health Survey were collected through interviews and oral examination. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression models were applied. Thai older adults who lived in an urban area, had an income over 15,001 Baht, graduated middle school or more, entitled to civil servant medical benefit scheme, and were ex-smokers or never-smoked were more likely to visit a dental clinic. Thai older adults who had 27 teeth or more and 8 posterior occlusal pairs or more were more likely to have less difficulty eating. Difficulty eating, difficulty speaking and satisfaction with oral health were associated with DSU. In conclusion, Thai older adults with poor social backgrounds and smoking utilized less dental services. OHRQoL in Thai older adults, especially difficulty eating, was associated with income, DSU, posterior occlusal pairs and number of teeth.