Self-Reported Oral Health Among Elderly Immigrants Residing in Norway: A Cross-Sectional Study.

UNLABELLED: Immigrants represent 20.8% of Norway's population, with 22.2% aged 50+. This study aimed to assess oral health-related behaviors and perceived oral health in relation to sociodemographic factors among elderly immigrants aged 50+.

METHODS

174 participants (94% response rate). Data on sociodemographic, oral hygiene, diet, snus use, xerostomia, and halitosis were collected using the self-reported questionnaire. p-value < 0.05 indicates statistical significance.

RESULTS

Participants' mean age was 60.7, with 60% reporting poor self-perceived oral health, and over 64% had missing teeth. Participants reported poor oral hygiene habits (35.1%, n = 61), frequent sugar consumption (51.1%, n = 89), and smoking (16.1%, n = 28). Poor oral health was more common in those aged 60 and over (OR = 2.5, CI: 1.1-5.8) and with a narrow social network (OR = 3.8, CI: 1.7-8.5). Women had lower odds of sugar consumption (OR = 0.38, CI: 0.18-0.8) and smoking (OR = 0.27, CI: 0.09-0.7), but living in Norway for less than 3 years increased smoking odds (OR = 4.5, CI: 1.2-15.8). Moreover, being unmarried (OR = 5.5, p = 0.008), recent immigration (OR = 24.3, p < 001), and a narrow social network (OR = 4.7, p = 0.004) were associated with higher odds of missing teeth.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly immigrants in Norway reported poor oral health, tooth loss, and unhealthy dietary and hygiene habits, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.