Factors Associated with Unmet Dental Care Needs among Korean Adult Cancer Survivors: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2016–2018 KNHANES

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the factors associated with unmet dental care needs among Korean adult cancer survivors. This cross-sectional study used data from the seventh (2016–2018) Korea National Health and Examination Survey. It included 339 adult cancer survivors. Participants’ experience of unmet dental care needs was assessed using a health questionnaire survey. Moreover, the subjective oral health status (i.e., toothache) and behavior (i.e., toothbrushing and oral examination) were assessed through oral health interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis. The rate of experience of unmet dental care needs among cancer survivors was 29.5%. Cancer survivors with limitations in performing daily activities of living were more likely to experience unmet dental care needs than cancer survivors without activity limitations ([aOR] = 2.14, [95%CI] = 1.04–4.40). Moreover, cancer survivors who did undergo oral examination within the past year were more likely to experience unmet dental care needs than cancer survivors who underwent oral examination ([aOR] = 2.49, [95%CI] = 1.22–5.07). Korean cancer survivors experienced unmet dental care needs when they did not receive an oral examination or had activity limitations. This study’s findings provide insight into social and behavioral factors associated with unmet dental care needs among Korean cancer survivors.