Oral Frailty and Associated Factors among Japanese Residents of Vietnam

Abstract

  This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of oral frailty and associated factors among Japanese residents of Vietnam.

  A total of 125 participants were analyzed using a self-reported online questionnaire, which included questions about: sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, language skills, mental health, nutritional status, risk of severe periodontal diseases, social participation, and physical activities. The outcome variable, oral frailty, was assessed using the oral frailty checklist (OF-5). More than two “yes” responses to five questions were considered indicative of oral frailty.

  The prevalence of oral frailty in this population was 22.4%. Irregular sleep (p=0.003), English-speaking skills (p=0.049), risk of severe periodontal diseases (p<0.001), and psychological distress (p<0.001) showed significant correlations with oral frailty. Logistic analysis revealed that those with risks of severe periodontal diseases (OR, 5.26; 95%CI, 1.61–17.21; p=0.006) and psychological distress (OR, 5.04; 95%CI, 1.54–16.47; p=0.007) were more likely to develop oral frailty than those without them.

  The findings suggest that risks of severe periodontal diseases and psychological distress may serve as indicators of oral frailty in this population.