Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life (HINT-8) in Older Adults with Oral Frailty : KNHANES 2019

Objectives: Oral frailty, characterized by a decline in multiple oral functions such as mastication, swallowing, and speech, is associated with deteriorating general health and quality of life (QoL) in older adults. This study aimed to examine the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older adults with oral frailty and to identify associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the first year of the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2019). A total of 223 individuals aged 65 years or older who met the criteria for oral frailty were included. HRQoL was assessed using the Health-related Quality of Life Instrument with 8 Items (HINT-8) and dichotomized into low and high levels. Complex sample logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with low HRQoL. Results: Among older adults with oral frailty, 57.7% reported low HRQoL. Factors significantly associated with lower HRQoL included limited physical mobility (OR = 22.3, 95% CI = 9.21-54.01), high perceived stress (OR = 10.5, 95% CI = 4.10-27.09), urban residence (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.15-6.22), and lower tooth brushing frequency (1-2 times per day) (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.08-6.05). Conclusion: Older adults with oral frailty were more likely to experience low HRQoL, influenced by physical limitations, psychosocial stress, health behaviors, and living environment. These findings underscore the need for multidimensional strategies tailored to this population. Future longitudinal studies are needed to track changes in HRQoL and evaluate the effectiveness of targeted interventions.