Edentulism and Its Rehabilitation Among Older People in China

To determine the prevalence of edentulism and its rehabilitation in China's older population and describe socio-demographic differences in edentulism and rehabilitation.

Secondary analyses of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Bivariate and regression analyses were performed.

The weighted prevalence of edentulism was 26.0% (95% CI 24.8-27.2). Approximately two-thirds of edentulous elders had been rehabilitated (63.6%, 95% CI 57.4-69.4). In regression analyses, older people had a higher prevalence ratio (PR) for edentulism than younger elders: PR 3.0 (95% CI 2.7-3.4) for those aged 80 and older and PR 1.9 (95% CI 1.7-2.1) for those aged 70-79, with reference to those aged 60-69. Those who had attained secondary education had a lower PR for edentulism than those with no formal education: PR 0.7 (95% CI 0.6-0.8). Those from Non-Agricultural Hukou (Urban area) had a lower PR than those from Agricultural Hukou (Rural area): PR 0.8 (95% CI 0.7, 1.0). Older adults aged 80 and above were less likely to receive denture rehabilitation compared to those aged 60-69, with a PR of 0.6 (95% CI: 0.5-0.9). In contrast, individuals with secondary education showed a greater likelihood of denture rehabilitation than those without formal education, with a PR of 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0-1.6). Additionally, non-Han ethnic groups had a slightly higher chance of denture rehabilitation compared to their Han counterparts, with a PR of 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0-1.5).

Approximately one in four older people in China are edentulous, and approximately two in three of them have been rehabilitated. Socio-demographic differences in edentulism rates and rates of rehabilitation are apparent. These findings reveal disparities in edentulism and denture rehabilitation among China's older adults (60+), urging targeted policies to enhance access for less-educated and rural elders while offering insights for global ageing populations.