Factors associated with generalized anxiety disorder in Korean older adults: A secondary data analysis of the 2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the factors influencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults and to provide effective health management directions for GAD patients.

METHODS

This study used data from the 9th National Health and Nutrition Survey (2022) and selected 1,666 older adults. The analysis was conducted using the SPSS 26.0 program. A complex sample chi-square test was performed to identify factors related to GAD. Complex sample logistic regression was conducted to determine the factors influencing GAD in the participants.

RESULTS

The study results indicated that sex (p=.034), smoking (p=.042), alcohol consumption (p=.003), sleep duration (p=.005), chewing discomfort (p<.001), speaking discomfort (p<.001), and self-rated health (p=.016) were statistically significantly associated with GAD. The multivariate analysis considering the interaction between variables, sleep duration (OR=2.07, p=.031) and chewing discomfort (OR=2.49, p=.008) were identified as factors influencing GAD.

CONCLUSION

Chewing discomfort in older adults affects not only GAD but also leads to a decline in aesthetics and social withdrawal. Therefore, improvements in oral health policy support for oral health promotion and prevention are required. Additionally, education and interventions through community systems should be provided to address sleep issues associated with GAD.