Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and prevalence of periodontal disease in a representative sample of Korean adults older than age 20. Methods: Data of 3,837 adults were collected by the six Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted in 2015. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health-related behavior data were collected as independent variables. We determined frequencies, percentage, and determining statistical significance using multiple regression analysis. Results: Prevalence of periodontal diseases showed statistically significant difference in accordance with sex, age, socioeconomic and demographical characteristics and oral health-related behavior. It was confirmed that the prevalence of periodontal diseases was increased in the lower educational level and income (OR, 1.478 and 1.520) after adjusting for conditions such as age, sex, recent dental check-ups, visiting dental clinic, tooth brushing frequency, use of self-care devices. Conclusions: The prevalence of periodontal disease was related with socioeconomic factors in Korean adults. Therefore, differentiated oral health service policies and dental health education among adults with lower education and income is required in order to reduce the prevalence of periodontal disease.
Figures & Tables
Table 1. Prevalence of periodontal disease according to demographic and sociological characteristics Unit: N (weighed %)
