Open AccessSOCIAL COHESION AND ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG U.S. OLDER CHINESE ADULTS
Author(s) -
Weiyu Mao,
Bei Wu,
Iris Chi,
Wei Yang,
XinQi Dong
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
innovation in aging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2399-5300
DOI - 10.1093/geroni/igz038.1268
Subject(s) - cohesion (chemistry) , psychological intervention , gerontology , psychology , perception , chinese community , demography , community health , medicine , china , public health , psychiatry , sociology , geography , chemistry , organic chemistry , archaeology , neuroscience , nursing
Abstract This study examined the relationship between social cohesion (i.e., sense of community and neighborhood cohesion) and self-reported number of oral health problems and further investigated the potential moderating role of cognitive function in such a relationship among U.S. older Chinese adults. Data came from baseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago between 2011 and 2013 (N = 3,157). Stepwise negative binomial regression models with interaction terms were used. Individuals with a stronger sense of community had 1% less risk of having oral health problems (RR = .99; 95% CI = .98, .99; p < .001). Individuals experiencing a stronger neighborhood cohesion had a 11% reduction in risk of having oral health problems (RR = .89; 95% CI = .86, .92; p < .001). To promote optimal oral health, interventions need to account for individuals’ perception and actual integration with their neighborhood and communities.