Oral health-related quality of life and loneliness: results based on a cross-sectional survey.
Arch Public Health
; 82(1): 114, 2024 Jul 29.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39075622
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The aim of this study was to clarify the link between oral health-related quality of life (independent variable) and loneliness (outcome) among the general adult population (also stratified by sex).METHODS:
Data were taken from a quota-based survey of the German general adult population (representative in terms of state, sex and age group), with n = 5,000 individuals (mean age was 46.9 years, SD 15.3 years, ranging from 18 to 74 years). Oral health-related quality of life was quantified using the OHIP-G5. Loneliness was quantified using the De Jong Gierveld tool. Multiple linear regressions were conducted.RESULTS:
After adjusting for several covariates, multiple linear regressions revealed that poor oral health-related quality of life is associated with higher loneliness levels in the total sample (ß = 0.12, p < 0.001). Such associations were also found in both sexes (men ß = 0.12, p < 0.001, women ß = 0.12, p < 0.001).CONCLUSION:
Study findings showed an association between oral health-related quality of life and loneliness. Such knowledge is important for addressing individuals at risk for higher loneliness levels. Future research is required to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Arch Public Health
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Germany