Related factors for the denture needs among platform workers in Seoul

Abstract

Objectives: Due to the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, prioritizing the safety and well-being of essential workers, who play a vital role in enabling contactless living, is paramount. This study aims to check oral health status and related factors in platform workers. Methods: The participants, who are platform workers in Seoul, were divided into three occupations: replacement driver, parcel, and delivery. The survey included oral examination and health-related questionnaires from August to November 2022. Finally, 204 platform workers in Seoul participated in the study. The socio-demographic characteristics of participants, such as sex, age, education level, and health behavior, were analyzed. A chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate the socio-demographic factors related to the need for dentures. Results: Most participants were men (97.5%), and in the age of 50s (33.8%). In total, the proportion of the need for dentures was 40.2%. It was high in the group of parcel, the 50s age group, and people without experience of the oral exam last year (P<0.05). The probability of needing dentures was 9.7 times higher in the 50s than in the 30s, and 2.3 times higher in the group without oral exam experience last year than the group with that experience. Conclusions: Among the platform workers in Seoul, age and oral examination were related factors for denture needs. To promote the oral health of platform workers, the policy to increase oral examination should be implemented.