Factors Associated with Denture Use and Non-use among the Elderly in Wang Phikun Subdistrict, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province

Authors

  • Natcha Jitwareekasem Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Thailand
  • Methinee Intarates Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Thailand
  • Patcharaporn Deekung Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Thailand
  • Thidaporn Piroonpaisarn Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Thailand
  • Apichaya Mungdee Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Thailand

Keywords:

elderly, denture use, social determinants of health, social support, healthcare access

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between personal, social, psychological, and situational factors and the use of dentures among older adults in Wang Phikun Subdistrict, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok province.

This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design comparing elderly individuals who used and did not use dentures. A total of 300 participants were selected using systematic and simple random sampling based on Taro Yamane’s formula at a 95% confidence level. Data were collected with a researcher-developed questionnaire covering personal, oral health, social, psychological, and situational factors. Content validity was assessed by three experts (IOC = 0.94), and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha (0.918). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to examine associations between factors and denture use at a significance level of 0.05.

The findings revealed that 50.0% of the participants used dentures. Statistically significant associations were found between denture use and personal factors such as annual household income (p=0.003), main source of income (p=0.006), and healthcare coverage (p=0.020). Additionally, social factors including support from family (p=0.046) and dental personnel (p= 0.003) were significantly related to denture use. In contrast, psychological motivation and situational barriers such as travel distance showed no significant association.

The results indicate that economic conditions and social support are key determinants in the decision to use dentures among the elderly.

Therefore, policies should focus on increasing access to oral health education, promoting awareness of healthcare entitlements, and enhancing proactive support from dental professionals to improve denture usage rates and the quality of life in aging populations.

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Published

2026-01-01

How to Cite

Jitwareekasem, N., Intarates, M., Deekung, P. ., Piroonpaisarn, T., & Mungdee, A. (2026). Factors Associated with Denture Use and Non-use among the Elderly in Wang Phikun Subdistrict, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province. Public Health Policy and Laws Journal, 12(1), 27–39. retrieved from https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journal_law/article/view/282994

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): January-April

Section

Original Article

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