Factors Affecting Oral Examination in an Economically Active Population

Oral examination ensures early detection and treatment of oral diseases and improvement of quality of health-related life. This is imperative as it reduces individuals' dental medical expenses and social costs caused by diseases. However, as the low oral examination acceptance rate continues to be a problem, this study was conducted to identify the factors that influence the oral examination of an economically active population. In this study, 4,836 economically active individuals between the ages of 20 and 65 years were studied using data from the 7th National Health and Nutrition Survey in 2018. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors influencing demographic and sociological characteristics on oral examination after adjusting for complaints of mastication and speech discomfort. As a result of confirming the factors influencing the oral examination, increase in age tended to be inversely proportional to the oral examination. Income level, type of job, and job position were identified as factors that influenced oral examinations. Compared to the group with a high socioeconomic status, which is represented by a group with a high income level or a stable job type or job position, the group with low economic status was found to have a negative effect on oral examination. Oral management of vulnerable groups, who might not be considered while devising oral health management policies, should be promoted through the development and provision of oral health management policies that consider employment status and environment.

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