Self-Rated Oral Health Status and the Quality of Life in Urban and County Areas Based on 2015 Community Health Survey data

시 지역과 군 지역주민들의 주관적 구강건강인식과 삶의 질 (2015년 지역사회건강조사자료 이용)

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the self-rated oral health status of local residents and their quality of life in urban and county areas in an effort to provide information on how to improve their quality of life. Method : The 2015 community health survey data for South Gyeongsang Province(10 urban regions and 10 county areas) were analyzed. Result : The findings of the study were as follows: As for the characteristics of self- rated oral health, there were better self-rated oral health, less chewing difficulty, less use of dentures, higher rate of receiving dental checkups and more scaling experience in the urban communities than in the county areas. Concerning EQ-5D and happiness index by region, the two were higher in the urban regions than in the county areas. In regard to EQ-5D and happiness index by the characteristics of self-rated oral health, better self-rated oral health status and less chewing difficulty led to higher EQ-5D and higher happiness index. And the two were higher when dentures were not used, when more dental checkups were received and when there was more scaling experience. Conclusion : Therefore in order to boost the quality of life of local residents, the preparation of various educational programs is necessary to raise their awareness of health, and they should be provided with a wide range of medical benefits by dispersing medical institutions that are mostly located in urban communities or by expanding public health services in county areas.