Impact of Socioeconomic, Behavioral and Psychological Factors for Children’s Self-Reported Oral Symptoms

Abstract

This study investigated factors affecting the subjective experience of oral symptoms among 2,285 elementary school students in the fourth and sixth grades using the Korean survey on the Health of Youth and Children in 2010. After conducting chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, we performed multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the factors affecting children's experience of oral symptoms. We found that the factors most frequently associated with the subjective experience of more oral symptoms were lower tooth brushing frequency, greater intake of foods that cause dental caries, higher stress levels, and lower levels of support from friends. In conclusion, determinants of children's oral health, such as children's oral health behaviors and psychological factors must be considered in a multifaceted approach to developing programs to promote oral health among children.