ASSOCIATIONS OF ORAL HEALTH INDICATORS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN BANGKOK LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

Abstract

Oral hypofunction and clinical oral problems may relate to depressive symptoms among older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Bangkok. In this cross-sectional study of 83 LTC residents, depressive symptoms were assessed using TGDS-15 (cut-off ≥8), while oral status was captured using OHAT total score (0-16) and oral hypofunction burden using OHF count (0-7 failed domains); associations were examined with Spearman’s rank correlation. The mean TGDS-15 score was 4.46±3.74 and 21.7% met the depressive-symptom cut-off; OHF prevalence was 66.3% with an average OHF count of 3.34±1.78, and the mean OHAT total score was 5.80±2.67. TGDS-15 scores showed significant positive correlations with OHAT (rs =.401, p<.001) and OHF count (rs =.257, p =.019). These findings suggest that both observable oral health problems and overall oral functional burden are significantly associated with psychological well-being in LTC residents. Consequently, routine oral screening is essential for early identification and intervention for both oral and mental health needs.

Keywords: TGDS-15, Depressive Symptoms, Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), Oral Hypofunction, Long-Term Care