Young Ran Chae1, So Yean Kang2, Eun Sook Nam1, Hye Jin Hyun1, Su Youn Park1, Sun Hee Lee1, Ju Young Lee3, Doo Myung Kim1

1Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Kangwon National University, Chunchoen, Korea 2Department of Nursing, Daewon University College, Jechoen, Korea 3Department of Nursing, Hallym Polytechnic University, Chunchoen, Korea


Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of oral care, perceived halitosis, halitosis, interpersonal relationships and oral health-related quality of life and to examine the relationships among these variables.
Methods: The participants were 94 elderly people. The questionnaire included questions on oral care, per- ceived halitosis, interpersonal relationships, and oral health-related quality of life. Halitosis was measured us- ing odor breath tester.
Results: A total of 63.8% of the elderly did not receive regular oral care. The halitosis score was 1.59, thus in- dicating moderate halitosis. The current perceived halitosis figure was 1.54, participants responded that they feel slight. There was no significant correlation between halitosis and perceived halitosis. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in halitosis and perceived halitosis according to the oral care. Perceived halitosis was negatively correlated with oral health-related quality of life. Interpersonal relationships were correlated with oral health-related quality of life.
Conclusions: It is necessary to actively promote the need for oral care among the elderly. Moreover, older peo- ple need regular oral care to prevent halitosis and improve their oral health-related quality of life.
Korean J Health Promot 2019;19(4):229-236

Keywords: Aged, Oral care, Halitosis, Interpersonal relationships, Oral health-related quality of life