J Prev Med Public Health.  2025 Jan;58(1):103-112. 10.3961/jpmph.24.569.

Association Between Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index and Cardiovascular Disease in Korean Older Adults

• Lim KT
• Choe Jw
• Hwang Ss

• KMID: 2564068
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.569

Abstract

Objectives
This study examined the association between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), as assessed by the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes among Korean older adults.
Methods
Data from 5413 participants in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. GOHAI scores were categorized as either “poor” (<40) or “not poor” (≥40). Generalized estimating equation models were used to assess the relationship between GOHAI scores and CVD prevalence, with analyses stratified by sex.
Results
Poor GOHAI score was significantly associated with elevated odds of CVD (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 1.19; p<0.001). This association was stronger in female (OR, 1.36) compared to male (OR, 1.12). Poor oral health is indicative of systemic inflammation and age-related vulnerabilities, underscoring the utility of the GOHAI as an instrument for early identification of CVD risk.
Conclusions
Poor oral health, as measured by the GOHAI, is associated with an increased risk of CVD among older adults, especially female. These findings support the use of the GOHAI as a cost-effective screening tool for the early assessment of CVD risk. Further research is warranted to explore inflammatory biomarkers and sex-specific mechanisms that could inform targeted interventions.

Keyword

Aged, Oral hygiene, Cardiovascular diseases, Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index