Feasibility of Using the EuroQol-5 Dimensions to Identify Masticatory Discomfort in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Masticatory discomfort adversely affects nutritional and systemic health in older adults. However, assessments often rely on dental examinations, which may overlook broader health indicators. This study examined the feasibility of using the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) as a proxy measure for identifying masticatory discomfort among community-dwelling adults aged 45 years and older in South Korea. Methods: Data were obtained from 166,984 participants of the 2022 Korea Community Health Survey. Logistic regression models were constructed based on the EQ-5D and subjective oral health indicators. Predictive performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity across four age groups. Results: The EQ-5D-only model (Model 1) achieved an AUC of 0.7, indicating moderate discriminatory ability. Specificity was consistently high across all age groups (1.0), while sensitivity was highest (0.7) among adults aged ≥75 years. Key predictors included mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, as well as socioeconomic variables such as income and education. Conclusion: The EQ-5D may serve as a feasible screening tool for identifying masticatory discomfort in older populations, particularly when traditional dental assessments are unavailable. Its integration into community-based health strategies could support a more equitable and efficient identification of at-risk individuals.