Association between social factors, cluster of behaviours and oral impact on daily performance

The study objective was to examine the association between social support and network, socioeconomic factors, cluster of behaviours, and oral impact on daily performance of English older adults.

Data was extracted from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing ELSA. Socioeconomic factors at Wave 3, social support (positive and negative) and network, and behaviours (smoking, alcohol intake, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity) at Wave 5 were included. Oral Impact on Daily Performance OIDP at Wave 7 was the outcome variable. Demographics and OIDP at baseline were included in the analysis. Latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted using four dichotomised behavioural variables to identify clusters of behaviours. Logistic regression modelling was created to assess the associations. The model was adjusted for demographic factors.

A total of 2049 participants were included. The LCA identified two clusters: Class 1 healthy, and Class 2 risky cluster. In the fully adjusted model, participants with high levels of negative social support had 1.04 (95 %CI: 1.01, 1.08) higher odds for having any oral impact on their daily performance than those with lower negative social support. People in the risky cluster had 1.49 (95 %CI: 1.01, 2.19) higher odds of having any oral impact on daily performance than those in the healthy cluster.

Negative social support and cluster of health-related behaviours were associated with oral impact on daily performance among English adults.

The impact of behavioural and social factors on the oral health outcomes of older English adults is highlighted by this study. The findings suggest that high levels of negative social support and engagement in unhealthy behaviours are associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing oral impacts on daily life. Clinicians should take these psychosocial and behavioural factors into account when evaluating and treating older patients. Interventions aimed at reducing negative social interactions and promoting healthier lifestyle choices may help minimise the impact of oral health issues on daily activities.