• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.10 no.7
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• pp.215-222
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mastication problems and quality of life among middle-aged Koreans. The study used data from the 6^th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES VI). Data on 7,125 respondents aged 40 to 64 were analyzed to evaluate quality of life as measured by the Euro Quality of Life-5D(EQ-5D) index and mastication problems. Quality of life was classified as either low or high based on 0.96. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. The prevalence of low quality of life was significantly higher in the group with mastication problems, at 41.9%, than in the group with no mastication problems(24.4%). After adjusting the general characteristics and oral health status, the odds of a lower quality of life were higher in the those with mastication problems, at 1.77 (95% CI: 1.53-2.06), than in those with no mastication problems. Mastication problem was significantly related to the quality of life. The studies are needed to reflect the oral factors in diverse age groups.