Gender Differences in Oral Health Literacy related Factors among Elderly People

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study is to measure oral health literacy levels and to identify oral health literacy related factors in elders. METHODS: The research design for this study was a descriptive survey design using convenience samples. Data collection was done by using a self-report questionnaire with 321 elders from three welfare centers for the aged and two senior centers located in three cities. Data were analyzed by using percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe, Pearson's Correlation Analysis and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS Win 18.0 Program. RESULTS: The oral health literacy scores of male elders were higher than those of female elders (t=9.73, p=.002). In hierarchical multiple regression analysis, education levels, smoking and oral health statuses were significant predictors and accounted for 29.8% of the male elders' oral health literacy. For female elders, education levels, health statuses and oral health statuses were significant predictors and accounted for 47.7%. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that interventions for improving oral health literacy are necessary to enhance elders' ability of self-care management. Also, these results could be used in developing oral health literacy programs.