Factor associated with oral health-related quality of life in adults

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine the influencing factors of oral health-related quality of life in adults. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 300 adults in Seoul and Gyeonggido from June to July, 2015 by convenience sampling method. Except 19 incomplete answers, 281 data were analyzed by t test, one way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS 18.0 program. The questionnaire consisted of general characteristics of the subjects, health-related characteristics, whole body dry symptoms and subjective perception of dry mouth. The oral health-related quality of life was measured by Likert five points scale, and a higher score indicated a lower quality of life. Results: The oral health-related quality of life in adult varied by age, systemic diseases, oral health status, missing tooth, stress, decayed tooth, gingival disease. The oral health-related quality of life had positive correlations with the subjective perception of dry mouth and whole body dry symptoms. The subjective perception of dry mouth( ${\beta}$ =0.245) had the influence on the oral health-related quality of life, oral health status( ${\beta}$ =-0.209), gingival disease( ${\beta}$ =-0.151), and decayed tooth( ${\beta}$ =-0.146) in order. Conclusions: The oral health-related quality of life was closely related to the subjective perception of dry mouth and the oral health status. It is necessary to develop the quality of life improvement programs including oral health prevention and care program in the adults.