Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Thai Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Yiengprugsawan Vasoontara, Somkotra Tewarit, Seubsman Sam-ang, Sleigh Adrian C
Primary Institution: National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between oral health and quality of life among Thai adults?
Conclusion
Poor oral health is linked to lower quality of life, especially among women, smokers, and those with fewer teeth.
Supporting Evidence
- Discomfort chewing was reported by 15.8% of participants.
- Females reported worse oral health-related quality of life than males.
- Smokers had worse outcomes in all dimensions of oral health-related quality of life.
- Having less than 20 teeth was strongly associated with difficulties in speaking and swallowing.
Takeaway
This study shows that having bad teeth can make it hard to eat and talk, which makes people feel sad and less happy.
Methodology
Data were collected through a health questionnaire from a cohort of distance learning students.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to self-reported data and the educational background of participants.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, making it hard to establish cause and effect.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 15 to 87, with a slight excess of females and a median age of 29 years.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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