Socioeconomic inequalities in oral health among older adults with non-communicable diseases
1
Dental Public Health, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Chonburi, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Chonburi, Thailand
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2977
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Thailand is becoming a complete aged society, with older adults representing more than one-fifth of the population. This demographic transition has intensified the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and increased demand for long-term healthcare. Oral diseases remain highly prevalent among older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, yet oral health is often inadequately integrated into primary healthcare and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) frameworks. Socioeconomic disparities may further exacerbate inequities in access to oral healthcare services. This study aimed to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status and oral health conditions among older adults with NCDs attending Bang Sai Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Chonburi Province.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 older adults with NCDs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a validated oral health examination form. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were applied, with a significance level of 0.05.
RESULTS:
Participants had a mean age of 68.0 years (SD = 6.30), with diabetes and/or hypertension combined with other conditions being most common (45%). Most participants had primary education (62.3%) and reported a monthly income of 0–5,000 Baht (53.6%). The mean DMFT score was 19.91 (SD = 7.98); 22.5% had root caries, and 74.6% had fewer than four pairs of posterior occluding natural teeth. Educational level, income, marital status, and self-rated oral health were significantly associated with DMFT, while age, education, income, occupation, and self-rated oral health were associated with the number of posterior occluding teeth (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Socioeconomic disadvantage was significantly associated with poorer oral health outcomes among older adults with NCDs. Integrating oral health into UHC-oriented primary care and addressing social determinants of health are essential to reduce oral health inequalities and improve overall well-being in ageing populations.
Thailand is becoming a complete aged society, with older adults representing more than one-fifth of the population. This demographic transition has intensified the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and increased demand for long-term healthcare. Oral diseases remain highly prevalent among older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, yet oral health is often inadequately integrated into primary healthcare and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) frameworks. Socioeconomic disparities may further exacerbate inequities in access to oral healthcare services. This study aimed to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status and oral health conditions among older adults with NCDs attending Bang Sai Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Chonburi Province.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 older adults with NCDs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a validated oral health examination form. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were applied, with a significance level of 0.05.
RESULTS:
Participants had a mean age of 68.0 years (SD = 6.30), with diabetes and/or hypertension combined with other conditions being most common (45%). Most participants had primary education (62.3%) and reported a monthly income of 0–5,000 Baht (53.6%). The mean DMFT score was 19.91 (SD = 7.98); 22.5% had root caries, and 74.6% had fewer than four pairs of posterior occluding natural teeth. Educational level, income, marital status, and self-rated oral health were significantly associated with DMFT, while age, education, income, occupation, and self-rated oral health were associated with the number of posterior occluding teeth (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Socioeconomic disadvantage was significantly associated with poorer oral health outcomes among older adults with NCDs. Integrating oral health into UHC-oriented primary care and addressing social determinants of health are essential to reduce oral health inequalities and improve overall well-being in ageing populations.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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