Relationship Between Oral Function and Social Participation Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

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Background and Objectives: Pre-frailty is characterized by a lack of social interaction, mental instability, and decreased interest in health behaviors and oral health. Thus, this study aimed to explore the relationship between oral function and social participation among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The study participants were community-dwelling older adults who underwent dental and oral health examinations and health checkups conducted by the Shimane Extended Union of the Medical Care System for Latter-Stage Elderly People between April 2020 and March 2022. General background data, oral health status, and social participation data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed as the primary analysis, with social participation as the objective variable. Results: The participants included 4196 cases, excluding 513 cases with missing data. Logistic regression analysis of the presence of going out at least once a week demonstrated significant correlations in age, lower leg circumference, masticatory function, and oral hygiene status (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found in sex, lower leg circumference, masticatory function, swallowing function, and oral hygiene status for regular meetings with family or friends (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There may be an association between social participation and a decline in oral function and hygiene status among community-dwelling older adults.

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