Self-reported Oral Health and General Health of U.S. Adults 1999-2014

Abstract

Objectives: To assess self-reported oral health (SROH) and self-reported general health (SRGH) of U.S. adults and to explore their associations with sociodemographic factors.Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2014 were analyzed. Survey-weighted descriptive statistics were computed to provide nationally representative estimates. Pearson correlations between the two self-reported health status indicators were tested. Separated multivariable logistic regressions in SROH and SRGH using survey period and five categorical sociodemographic factors: age, gender, race, education level and Family Poverty Income Ratio (PIR) were performed.Results: The sample consisted of 37,904 adults (aged 20+ years). Survey-weighted proportions of “Excellent or Very Good” ratings for SROH increased from 27% in 1999-2000 (n=4116) to 38% in 2013-2014 (n=5301) but those survey-weighted proportions for SRGH decreased from 54% in 1999-2000 to 45% in 2013-2014. There was a statistically significant weak positive association over the whole period (Pearson correlation 0.34, p<0.0001) and for each survey period (Pearson correlation range 0.31-0.38; all p<0.0001). Separated multivariable logistic analyses in SROH and SRGH showed that survey period, age, race, education level and PIR were significant factors (All p<0.0001). Whites, those with college degree and those >=300% of PIR had higher probabilities to report “Excellent or very good” in both oral and general health. Gender was only significant in the model of SROH (p<0.0001) and the association patterns of age and survey period in SROH and SRGH models were different.Conclusions: In general, self-reported general health had higher ratings than self-reported oral health. However, from 1999 to 2014, self-reported oral health improved while self-reported general health ratings decreased. Statistically significant weak positive association existed between these two self-reported health status indicators.