Gender difference in unmet dental needs of the Korean elderly

Objective: The average life expectancy of women is longer. However, they are more likely to have chronic disease. This study aims to explain the gender difference in unmet dental needs of the elderly.

Method: It was a cross-sectional with secondary data. It was sourced from the 4^th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES ‡W) for three years (2007~2009). Samples were collected a three-stage stratified cluster sampling. Subjects were aged 65 years and over (Total 3,578). The dependent variable was the unmet dental needs. Independent variables were five socioeconomic factors (residential area, education, income, type of guaranteed health insurance, private health insurance). Complex sample multiple regression analysis was conducted with adjustments for age and other confounding factors. The PASW statistics 20.0K was used.  

Result: The results show that 36% of elderly experienced unmet dental needs past a year. A much higher experienced unmet dental needs in women (39%). After adjusting for age and socioeconomic factors, the income was determined. The unmet dental needs in the lowest income group more higher compared to the highest income (p < 0.05). The degree of unmet dental needs showed significant differences depending on the extent of health insurance benefits. 

Conclusion: We fined gender difference in unmet dental needs of the Korean elderly. Unmet dental needs of the women are a more serious issue. The income of the elderly is the greatly affects their unmet dental needs. It is necessary to continue providing the social support for low-income women elders.