40세 이상 성인의 성별에 따른 구강건강 행태와 정신건강이 저작 불편에 미치는 영향: 2023년 지역사회건강조사 자료 활용 = The Effect of Oral Health Behavior and Mental Health on Chewing Discomfort by Gender in Adults Aged 40 or Older: Using Data from the 2023 Community Health Survey

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Objectives: This study aimed to identify risk factors influencing chewing discomfort using raw data from the 2023 Community Health Survey.
Methods: From May 16 to July 31, 2023, trained surveyors conducted face-to-face interviews by visiting selected households. In total, 185,156 adults aged 40 or older were chosen as final participants.
Results: First, regarding the risk of chewing discomfort based on oral health behaviors, individuals with poor oral health were found to have significantly higher chewing discomfort compared to healthy adults—16.11 times higher for men and 16.59 times higher for women. Women who brushed their teeth after lunch showed 1.64 times higher risk of chewing discomfort, while those who brushed before bedtime had 3.52 times higher risk. Women who had never undergone an oral health checkup exhibited 2.27 times higher chewing discomfort, and men with unmet dental care needs showed 3.67 times higher risk. Second, examining the relation between mental health and chewing discomfort, stress was found to be more prevalent among women (30.7%), and severe depressive symptoms were reported in 64.1% of women with chewing discomfort. The risk of chewing discomfort was 1.52 times higher in men and 1.49 times higher in women experiencing high levels of stress.
Conclusions: These findings indicate the need for more attention to women's oral health management compared to that of men. Expanding educational programs to promote oral health in adulthood—the longest life stage—and developing preventive oral health programs to improve masticatory function are essential for proactive oral health management.