FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TOOTH LOSS AMONG THE ELDERLIES ETHNIC HMONG AND LUA IN BAN NUMTUANG SUBDISTRICT HEALTH PROMOTING HOSPITAL, MAECHARIM DISTRICT, NAN PROVINCE

Abstract

The situation of tooth loss is prevalent among the elderly population, and tooth loss can be attributed to various factors. In order to plan appropriate strategies for preventing tooth loss, this study conducted a cross-sectional analysis with the objective of examining the prevalence of tooth loss, behaviors, oral health literacy, and factors related to tooth loss among elderly Hmong and Lua ethnic groups residing in the area of Ban Namtuang Health Promotion Hospital, Maecharim District, Nan Province. The study population and sample consisted of elderly individuals aged 60 and above, belonging to the Hmong and Lua ethnic groups. A Cluster Random Sampling method was used to select a sample of 95 participants. Data were collected through interviews and oral health examinations from January 6^th to June 30^th, 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and correlation statistics were calculated using the Poisson regression analyses equation.

The study found that the sample group consisted of females 52.63%, were of the Hmong ethnic group 82.11%, individuals with a body mass index above normal 56.80%, married individuals 76.84%, and those with no formal education 91.58%. The prevalence of tooth loss among the elderly in the sample group was 81.05%. Oral health care behaviors were at both low and high levels, equal to 35.80%. Risky behaviors were at a high level, accounting for 43.20%. oral health literacy was low in all six aspects. Factors related to tooth loss among the elderly Hmong and Lua ethnic groups in the area of Ban Namtuang Health Promotion Hospital, Maecharim District, Nan Province, included oral health literacy (p<0.05), knowledge and understanding (IRR=2.40, 95%CI[1.64-.52, p=0.001]), access to information and services (IRR=4.21, 95%CI[2.78-6.37], p=0.001), and media literacy (IRR=1.71, 95%CI[1.26-2.32], p=0.001). Therefore, there is a need to study and develop appropriate models for promoting oral health literacy tailored to the Hmong and Lua ethnic groups, with an emphasis on the working-age population, in order to prevent and reduce tooth loss among the elderly in the future.