한국 노인의 신체활동, 정신건강과 저작 불편의 관련성

Abstract

"Purpose: This study examines the impact of physical activity and mental health on masticatory discomfort among elderly individuals in South Korea. Materials and Methods: Using raw data from the 2024 Community Health Survey, a total of 83,574 individuals aged 65 and older were examined. The survey items included general characteristics (subjective health status, oral health status, diabetes, hypertension, history of accidents or poisoning), mental health factors (cognitive impairment, experience with dementia screening, sleep quality, stress, level of depression), and masticatory discomfort. Results: Elderly individuals who did not engage in high-intensity physical activity exhibited a 1.76 times higher prevalence of masticatory discomfort. In comparison, those who did not participate in walking exercises for more than ten minutes had a 1.97 times higher prevalence. Concerning mental health factors, elderly individuals with cognitive impairment experienced a 1.88 times higher prevalence, those with poor sleep quality a 2.43 times higher prevalence, and those with severe depression an 8.74 times higher prevalence of masticatory discomfort. Conclusion: These findings confirm that insufficient physical activity and deteriorating mental health are significant factors associated with increased masticatory discomfort in elderly individuals in Korea. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance physical activity and manage mental health simultaneously to promote oral health in elderly individuals."