Care prevention assessment based on oral health disparities in ASEAN countries

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to clarify the current status of dental and oral health disparities among middle-aged and older adults in ASEAN countries. Additionally, we conducted a secondary analysis of oral health indicators that should be included in care prevention assessments.

Methods: To determine the current status of oral health disparities in ASEAN countries, a quantitative analysis based on secondary data was conducted. Six indicators on the oral health status of middle-aged and older adults were obtained from The Global Health Observatory of the WHO. The z-score was used to visualize the indicators related to oral health among ASEAN countries. A literature review with research findings in Asian countries on the association between tooth loss and frailty among older adults was also conducted for qualitative analysis.

Results: The z-score, a key tool in our analysis, was calculated using secondary data. It could be categorized into three types: (1) high prevalence of severe periodontal disease, (2) high proportion of edentulous individuals, and (3) low prevalence of both. Additionally, the literature review identified seven cross-sectional and one longitudinal study on tooth loss status and frailty in Asian countries. Most of these studies reported significant associations between tooth loss status and frailty.

Conclusion: Based on cross-national comparisons of oral health indicators in ASEAN countries, we classified them into three typologies and defined their characteristics. Furthermore, a literature review on tooth loss and frailty in Asian countries confirmed a significant association between the two. The results suggest that oral health indicators such as tooth loss can be used in care prevention assessment and may contribute to the prevention of frailty and caregiving.