Association of personality traits with oral health-related quality of life independently of objective oral health status: A study of community-dwelling elderly Japanese

Personality and oral health-related quality of life. Results from an online survey

BACKGROUND

To investigate the association between personality factors and oral health-related quality of life.

METHODS

Data were taken from an online survey (representative for the general adult population in Germany in terms of region, sex and age group; n = 3,075) performed in late summer 2021. The well-established Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G5) was used to measure oral health-related quality of life. Moreover, the established 10 Item Big Five Inventory (BFI-10) was used to quantify personality factors (in terms of agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience). Sex, age, family status, educational level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, sports activities, presence of chronic diseases and self-rated health were adjusted for in multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Pearson correlations between oral health-related quality of life and personality factors ranged from r =- 0.17 (conscientiousness) to r = 0.17 (neuroticism). Regressions revealed that low oral health-related quality of life is associated with higher neuroticism (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and lower conscientiousness (β=-0.51, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed an association between personality factors (higher neuroticism and lower conscientiousness) and low oral health-related quality of life. Before dental treatment, it may be helpful to measure personality traits of patients in order to predict the expectations of patients, as well as their responses to intended treatments. This may support the identification of the most appropriate method of treatment.

Big Five Personality Traits and Predicting Mental Health among Iranian Older Adults

Aging has been a major issue for experts, policymakers, and even the general public in recent years. There is a growing body of evidence highlighting the role of personality traits in the health of older adults, but this evidence is still in its infancy. This study aimed to investigate the role of the big five personality traits in predicting the mental health among older adults. In this cross-sectional study, 150 community-residing older adults were selected and completed the Ten Item Personality Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Adult Hope Scale, and Short-Form Health Survey. According to the results, extraversion and openness to experience can explain 11% of the variances of hope, extraversion and conscientiousness account for 16% of the variances in perceived social support, and all the big five personality traits together predict 34% of the variances in the health-related quality of life. Given the role of personality traits in predicting the mental health of older adults, counselors and psychologists working with these people can pay attention to the personality traits of older adults in designing their psychological, educational, and research programs to achieve more desirable outcomes.

Personality traits and income inequalities in self-rated oral and general health

The association of low income with poor health is widely recognized, but why some low-income individuals do not experience poor health remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether greater positive personality trait scores modify the association between income and oral and general health-related quality of life (OHRQoL and HRQoL) among a representative sample of the South Australian population. Cross-sectional self-rated questionnaire data from a sample of 3645 adults in 2015-2016 were used for secondary analysis. In four factorial ANOVA models, the main effects, interaction, and effect modification of personality traits [measured using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI)] on the association between income and OHRQoL [measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14)] and HRQoL [measured using the European Quality of Life indicator (EQ-5D-3L)] were assessed. In the low-income group, participants with greater TIPI scale scores had lower means for the OHIP-14 and the EQ-5D-3L (better OHRQoL and HRQoL). Greater emotional stability scores modified the association between low income and HRQoL and OHRQoL. Stronger positive personality traits, such as emotional stability, appear to ameliorate the adverse effect of income inequalities in health.

Gender differences in the relationship between personality, cognitive function and regular dental visits in Japanese community-dwelling older adults

OBJECTIVES

Studies have examined the association between personality and health behaviour, but research focusing exclusively on regular dental visits has yet to be conducted. This study examined the association between personality traits and regular dental visits among Japanese community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

The participants in this cross-sectional study included 1,057 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-74 years from Ranzan and Yoshimi towns; data were collected from October to November 2015 and October to November 2016, respectively. Interviews were conducted to obtain sociodemographic, income, occupation and medical data. The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence was used to assess higher-level competence; general intelligence was also evaluated. The 'Big Five' personality traits-openness to experience, consciousness, neuroticism, extraversion and agreeableness-were also examined. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between regular dental visits and personality traits.

RESULTS

Among men, the number of natural teeth, current employment status and conscientiousness were associated with dental care utilization. Among women, the number of natural teeth, current annual income, the intellectual activity domain of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence and openness were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The factors associated with regular dental visits differed by gender. Overall, work was associated with men's visits, whereas intellectual activity and economic factors were relevant to women. Factors such as personality traits should be considered when addressing barriers to oral health. Understanding personality traits will help practitioners more effectively encourage older adults to make dental visits.

Personality Characteristics and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in an Iranian Adult Population

Self-rated oral health and oral health-related quality of life is known to be influenced by various personality characteristics. The aim of this study was to understand how personality characteristics affect oral health-related quality of life ratings in an Iranian adult population. The study included 443 adult participants recruited from a public dental clinic in Kerman, southeast of Iran. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire was used to assess oral health-related quality of life. Personality traits were determined using the 20-item Positive Affectivity Negative Affectivity Scale. Locker's single-item global self-rating of oral health was used to obtain information on self-rated oral health. Pearson correlation and negative binomial regression were used for data analysis. A higher negative affectivity score was associated with worse oral heath related quality of life, and a higher positive affectivity score was associated with better rating of oral health-related quality of life. On average, individuals who described their oral health as worse scored higher on Oral Health Impact Profile-14. Negative affectivity and positive affectivity influence individuals' perceptions of their oral health and quality of life. If possible, investigations of oral health-related quality of life measures should also include a brief personality assessment.

Will implants with a fixed dental prosthesis in the molar region enhance the longevity of teeth adjacent to distal free-end edentulous spaces?

OBJECTIVES

Clinical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of implants in preventing tooth loss is limited because of the many risk factors involved in tooth loss. This retrospective cohort study investigated whether an implant in the molar region of a distal free-end edentulous space affects the loss of the most distal tooth after 6 years, adjusting for other risk factors associated with tooth loss using propensity score matching analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 571 subjects and 1,085 teeth adjacent to a distal free-end edentulous space were evaluated. At baseline, the 1,085 teeth were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of a molar implant with a fixed dental prosthesis in the distal free-end edentulous space. Propensity score matching analysis was used to reduce the effects of bias by matching teeth with and without implants according to similar background factors at baseline. The adjusted variables were age group, occlusal support status, Kennedy classification, tooth position, tooth type, restoration status, dental caries, periodontal pocket depth, and condition of the opposing tooth.

RESULTS

A total of 56 teeth (28 associated with a molar implant; 28 with no implant) were enrolled according to propensity score matching. Fisher's exact test showed that a molar implant significantly protected the tooth adjacent to the distal free-end edentulous space (p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this retrospective cohort study, it was found that implants in free-end edentulous spaces may be beneficial in extending the longevity of adjacent teeth. Further research will be necessary to confirm this finding.

Quality of life and social participation in dental rehabilitation: A personality and multi-informant perspective

OBJECTIVES

Contemporary research on the impact of dental rehabilitation scarcely focuses on the role of personality and social relationships in QoL related to dental implant treatment. To overcome biases related to evaluation with self-reports, descriptions provided by informed external observers are recommended.

AIMS

To investigate the impact of implant-supported rehabilitation on quality of life and social participation taking into account patient's personality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-four patients were included in this study and assigned to either a single unit group (n = 15) or a complete jaw restoration group (n = 39). Of the 54 participants, 49 nominated an external observer who can evaluate the daily behavior of the patient. Before and after treatment patients and their external observer completed the OHIP-14, the NEO-FFI and the MSPP questionnaires respectively focusing on Oral Health related Quality of Life, Personality and Social participation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The correlations between self- and observer ratings on pre and post treatment outcomes on were insignificant (QoL pre: p = 0.086, post: p = 0.115, freq. soc. part pre: p = 0.944, post: p = 0.876, div. soc. part pre: p = 0.798, post: p = 0.167), suggesting considerable differences in observer perspectives. The traits Neuroticism, Extraversion and Agreeableness were associated with QoL. Openness, Conscientiousness and Agreeableness were associated with social participation. Patients in the complete jaw restoration group reported more impact of the implant treatment on quality of life as compared to the single unit group (p = 0.007). The complete jaw restoration group reported an improved quality of life after treatment and significant increases of both frequency (p = 0.001) and diversity of social participation (p = 0.036). In conclusion there was a minor impact of treatment with single crowns on quality of life and social participation compared to the full denture group. The role of personality and the use of multi-informants in evaluating dental treatment was found important.

Normal variations in personality predict eating behavior, oral health, and partial syndrome bulimia nervosa in adolescent girls

Eating disorders are among the most prevalent disorders in adolescence and can have negative consequences including poor quality of life, medical complications, and even death. This study addresses whether normal variations in personality relate to eating behavior and eating disorder symptomatology in adolescent girls. Participants were a near-representative sample of Australian adolescent girls (n = 1,676). Three personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness) were assessed at age 12 and again at age 14, and self-reported eating and weight management behaviors were assessed at age 14. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, higher levels of conscientiousness at age 12, and increases in conscientiousness between ages 12 and 14, were associated with greater fruit and vegetable consumption, a lower intake of high fat foods and high sugar drinks, less frequent meal skipping, better oral health, and decreased risk of partial syndrome bulimia nervosa at age 14. Higher neuroticism at age 12 was associated with more frequent meal skipping, and increases in neuroticism between ages 12 and 14 were associated with more frequent meal skipping and increased risk of partial syndrome bulimia nervosa at age 14. Extraversion was generally unrelated to eating and weight management behaviors. These findings provide evidence that normal variations in personality are related to eating behavior, oral health, and eating disorder symptoms during midadolescence.

Relationship between gerotranscendence and oral health-related quality of life

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between gerotranscendence and oral health-related quality of life (OHR-QOL). To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between gerotranscendence and OHR-QOL.

METHODS

Participants (total n = 1969; 70-year-old group, n = 999; 80-year-old group, n = 970) were drawn from resident lists in four areas of Japan: one urban area and one rural area in each of two geographical regions. OHR-QOL was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Measurement of occlusal force was performed using pressure-sensitive sheets. Gerotranscendence was assessed with the Japanese Gerotranscendence Scale Revised (JGS-R). We used multiple linear regression analysis to examine the relationships among OHR-QOL and other variables.

RESULTS

Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index score was significantly correlated with occlusal force, number of teeth, financial status and JGS-R score on linear regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Degree of gerotranscendence was significantly and independently correlated with degree of OHR-QOL in our sample.

Longitudinal association of hypertension and diabetes mellitus with cognitive functioning in a general 70-year-old population: the SONIC study

Both hypertension and diabetes in middle-aged individuals have been suggested to be predictive indicators of cognitive decline. However, the association of hypertension, diabetes and their combination with cognitive functioning is still controversial in older people. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between cognitive decline and hypertension, diabetes, and their combination in 70-year-old people based on a 3-year longitudinal analysis. Four hundred and fifty-four people aged 70 (±1) years who participated in the Japanese longitudinal cohort study of Septuagenarians, Octogenarians and Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians (SONIC) were recruited randomly from a general population and were monitored for 3 years. The data, including most of the demographics, cognitive functioning measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Japanese version (MoCA-J), blood pressure, blood chemistry and other medical histories, were collected at baseline and during the follow-up. The prevalence of hypertension noted in the follow-up survey was significantly higher than than noted at baseline. The mean MoCA-J score at follow-up was not significantly different from the score obtained at baseline. However, the participants with diabetes, especially combined with hypertension at baseline, had significantly lower MoCA-J scores than those without lifestyle-related diseases. The combination of hypertension and diabetes was still a significant risk factor for cognitive decline, considering the MoCA-J scores obtained during the follow-up after adjustments at baseline, relative to sex, body mass index, dyslipidemia, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, antihypertensive treatment and education level (β=-0.14; P<0.01). Our findings indicate that diabetes and the combination of hypertension and diabetes are clear risk factors for future cognitive decline in elderly individuals who are 70 years of age.

Influence of the renewal of removable dentures on oral health related quality of life

Background

The renewal of removable dentures is often suggested to denture wearers subject to discomfort. However, the impact of this rehabilitation on patients’ oral health related quality of life and their removable dentures related satisfaction is still unknown. This study was aimed at assessing these patient-centered outcomes and the potential impact of different factors.

Methods

A cohort of 116 patients in need of removable dental prostheses rehabilitation was recruited at a dental hospital over a period of 1 year. The subjects were separated into two groups according to their prosthesis experience (group in need of removable dentures renewal/group needing an removable dentures for the first time). Subjects were asked to answer the “Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index” (GOHAI) and the “McGill Denture Satisfaction Instrument” before and after a prosthesis integration period (9–12 weeks).

Results

GOHAI scores were slightly higher for patients with removable dentures renewal (from 40.6 ± 10.3 to 47.1 ± 10.0, p < 0.001), independently of the type of prosthetic rehabilitation. However, the scores of the GOHAI functional field did not change. Subjects with no removable dentures experience presented an increase in their functional GOHAI score (p < 0.001). Regarding patient removable dentures related satisfaction, only the “Esthetic” (p < 0.001), “Chewing efficiency” (p < 0.001) and “Oral condition” (p < 0.01) items increased after prosthesis renewal.

Conclusions

This study showed that renewing removable dentures only moderately improved the oral health related quality of life and removable dentures related satisfaction of patients, regardless of age, gender or type of rehabilitation. Other tasks are necessary such as the analysis of physiological parameters and qualitative research on patient’s expectations.

[Lipid profile and psychometric traits in patients with psychosomatic disorders and chronic cerebral ischemia]

AIM

To explore the correlation of serum cholesterol and triglycerides with psychometric traits in patients with psychosomatic disorders and chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and ten patients with CCI, aged from 46 to 76 years, were examined. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in the blood. A battery of tests for assessment of cognitive functions and neurotic traits was used.

RESULTS

The level of cholesterol was higher in patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis (PICS) compared to patients with CCI without psychosomatic disorders but did not differ from that in patients with gastric ulcer (GU). The level of triglycerides was higher in both groups with psychosomatic disorders, patients with PICS had higher levels compared to patients with GU. No differences between total cholesterol and triglycerides and assessment of cognitive functions in patients of different age were observed.

CONCLUSION

Patients with psychosomatic disorders had lower cognitive function and higher level of neuroticism. Results of regression analysis indicate that blood contents of cholesterol and triglycerides can be considered as a prognostic factor for cognitive decline.

Association of Occlusal Force with Cognition in Independent Older Japanese People

Recent longitudinal studies have shown the influence of multiple tooth loss on cognitive impairment, and earlier studies suggested that periodontal disease was related to cognitive decline. Tooth loss is associated with reduced masticatory function, which may affect stimulation of the central nervous system and dietary intake. Although some studies have reported a relationship between chewing ability and cognitive function, no studies have examined this area in terms of objective oral function. The aim of this study was to examine the association of occlusal force with cognitive decline in the preclinical stage among older people with higher-level functional capacity. This cross-sectional study for community-dwelling older people living in urban and rural areas in Japan examined 994 persons in the 70-y group (age range, 69–71 y) and 968 persons in the 80-y group (age range, 79–81 y). Retention of higher-level competence was defined according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence. Cognitive function was measured with the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J). Oral status and function were assessed by the number of remaining teeth, periodontal pocket depth, and maximal occlusal force. Associations between the MoCA-J score and occlusal force were examined by bivariate and multivariate analysis. Approximately one-half of the participants retained higher-level functional capacity and were included in the analysis. Multiple regression analysis showed that occlusal force was significantly related to cognitive function after controlling for possible predictors including age, sex, socioeconomic status, medical condition, and handgrip strength. The number of remaining teeth and periodontal pocket depth were not significantly associated with cognitive function. Among community-dwelling older people with retained competence, maximal occlusal force was positively associated with their cognitive function. These results suggest that oral function might be a predictor for preclinical cognitive decline.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: Multiple regression analysis showed that occlusal force was significantly related to cognition after controlling for possible predictors including handgrip strength as an indicator of general muscle strength, suggesting the independence of oral function. The number of remaining teeth did not have this association. The majority of older people have lost teeth and have received prosthodontic treatment, and their occlusal force is determined not only by the number of remaining teeth but also by prosthetic rehabilitation. These results can be used by clinicians focusing on prevention of tooth loss among the entire population, as well as to encourage partially edentulous and fully edentulous patients to restore their oral function with prostheses in order to eliminate a possible risk factor for cognitive impairment.

Is personality relevant in the choice of bleaching?

OBJECTIVES

The purpose was to administer the NEO-FFI personality test to patients who did and did not want to have their teeth bleached and before and after bleaching to the participants who accepted the treatment. The research question is to correlate styles and personality factors with bleaching.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were 128 patients eligible for bleaching; 58 accepted (AB) while 70 refused (RB). The test was administered to both groups (AB-RB). The group AB was administered before and 1 week after the end of the bleaching. For each personality domain comparison, the Mann-Whitney test was used. For the group AB, the results for each domain before and after bleaching were compared using the Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the groups (AB-RB) in the extraversion factor (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference between any of the personality items before and after bleaching (p > 0.1). The comparison between groups by sex revealed significant differences in extraversion and neuroticism factors. Males who AB scored higher in extraversion than males who RB (p < 0.05). Females scored higher in neuroticism than males who AB (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There were personality differences between people who decided to bleach compared with those who did not want the bleaching, which was mainly in the extroversion factor. This stereotypes the patients, who could be described as more sociable, extroverted, and concerned about esthetics and cleanliness. The bleaching protocol, however, cannot modify any of the personality factors.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

It is important to understand a patient's behavior to meet their needs and to determine the type of patients who would like to have their teeth bleached.

[The lipid profile and psychometric assessments in patients with psychosomatic illnesses and chronic cerebral ischemia]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlations between plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels and psychometric assessments in patients with psychosomatic illnesses and chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and ten patients (51% women, 49% men), aged from 46 to 76 years (mean 65.1 years) with CCI were examined. The study included cholesterol and triglyceride tests and a battery of tests for assessment of cognitive functions and neurotization level.

RESULTS

Cholesterol levels were higher in patients with post-infarct cardiosclerosis (PICS) compared to the comparison group but did not differ from those of patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Triglyceride levels were high in both psychosomatic groups, with higher levels in the patients with PICS compared to the patients with PUD. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not correlated with assessments of cognitive functions in patients of different age.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive impairment and higher level of neurotization were characteristic of patients with psychosomatic illnesses. Regression analysis has demonstrated that plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be a prognostic factor for cognitive impairment.